Prince Charles’s ex-butler sparks backlash in Asia for telling world not to eat rice with hands

Grant Harrold at Madame Tussauds London

A former royal butler turned etiquette expert has sparked an online backlash in Asia for his culturally insensitive advice on how to eat rice.

“Ladies and gentlemen, remember we always use a knife and fork or chopsticks to eat rice! We do not use our hands or fingers!!!” Grant Harrold tweeted on Saturday, causing immediate offence for disregarding the common way to eat rice in Asia where it is a staple food.

Mr Harrold previously worked as butler to the Prince of Wales and his sons, William and Harry, and, according to his website, plans to open a royal school of butlers later this year.

The comment generated articles in the Asian media and thousands of Twitter responses from multiple South and Southeast Asian countries, and in several different languages.

Some were angry at his perceived condescending and “colonial” tone, some touted the health benefits of eating with your hands, and others opted for toilet humour, comparing hygiene standards between washing or wiping.

“Wash your butt with water first then we can talk,” remarked one user.

“How do you eat your burgers? With knife and fork right. Come on it’s all about convenience isn’t it?” asked another.

“If your etiquette teaches you to make fun of someone’s culture, then there is a need to improve your etiquette….,” said a tweet posted from India.

In response, Mr Harrold said: “My etiquette is British etiquette training not worldwide etiquette training as stated in by bio.”

More than 90% of rice is produced and consumed in Asia. According to Statista, China consumes more rice than any other country — 143 million metric tons in 2019/2020, followed in second place by India. Both countries, along with Indonesia, are the world’s largest rice producers.

Mr Harrold did not post an explanation as to why he was commenting on rice. His Twitter account has previously offered advice on men avoiding adjusting their trousers in public, on kissing etiquette in public, and on how to always eat toast with your left hand.