Did YOU cut cheese “wrong”? Former King Charles butler reveals the ‘right’ way to slice it (and it makes all the difference in taste)
King Charles’ former butler has revealed the ‘correct’ way to cut cheese – and it makes all the difference in taste.
Earlier this week, Grant Harrold – who worked at the monarch’s Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire between 2005 and 2011 – urged people to reconsider their method of slicing into cheese like Brie.
In a viral TikTok that has amassed over 1.2 million views, the etiquette expert, originally from Airdrie, Scotland, filmed himself enjoying a dinner party with author Christine Hamilton.
As the couple is about to enjoy some cheese and grapes, Grant pointed out to his 160,000 followers a common flaw he sees in people.
Grant Harrold (pictured) urged people to reconsider their method of cutting into cheeses like Brie
He said, “Ladies and gentlemen, please remember – you never cut the nose off the cheese.”
As Grant held the knife over the end of the brie, Christine let out a playful yell and pretended to faint.
He continued: “Your hostess won’t thank you after all. I’m sorry madam!’
After reminding viewers of proper “cheese etiquette,” Grant ends the video by taking a small piece lengthwise along the brie.
Left: Grant Harrold urged viewers not to cut their noses off the end of the cheese, while next to him his host Christine Hamilton pretended to faint. Right: The expert ended the video by cutting lengthways into the cheese
Because cheese ripens from the rind at different rates, Grant’s method allows everyone in the group to enjoy the different flavors.
The video garnered over 33,000 “likes” in its first 48 hours – and viewers were stunned at not having known the etiquette beforehand.
“I didn’t know that,” replied one. ‘Thank you!’
Another added: “It drives me crazy when a guest does that!”
Meanwhile, a third wrote: “Cutting your nose is like eating the top of a cupcake instead of cutting part of the top through to the bottom.”
Etiquette expert Grant Harrold (pictured) shared two simple etiquette tips to follow when sharing pastries with guests
A fourth replied: “As others have said you wouldn’t just cut the center of a pizza or cake. It’s really selfish to help yourself to the soft center of the cheese and leave the rind for the last person.’
In response to viewer comments on Instagram, Grant said it’s also rude to take “everything good” out of your nose for yourself.
As part of his previous duties, Grant was occasionally butler to the present-day monarch, as well as to the late Queen and Prince Philip.
Now he creates etiquette-themed content on TikTok and Instagram, including revealing the posh way to behave when it comes to food and socializing.
Last week, the expert revealed the “right” way to eat breakfast pastries.
On Instagram, he filmed himself holding a basket of pastries, which he then tucked into before discussing etiquette issues instead.