What The Butler Saw Jim's Return To Downton

From royals to rocketman, there’s hijinks at highclere.

- Richard Barber

This is an image that could mess with your mind. Perched on a sofa in Highclere Castle, the real-life Fiona, Countess of Carnarvon, is being served Champagne by Jim Carter in his role as the fictional Mr Carson, trusted butler to Lord and Lady Grantham of Downton Abbey.

Life is imitating art, as the Carnarvons have opened Highclere, where much of the series was filmed, as a visitor destination. A ticketed Downton event has now been held on the grounds – a celebration of music from the TV series, hosted by Jim, wearing Carson’s best white tie and tails. Just prior to the event, 12,000 people packed the grounds for a concert by Sir Elton John.

“It was the most amazing evening,” says Lady Carnarvon (56). “And now we have Jim following in Elton’s footsteps.”

“Yes!” he says, “Jim ‘Rocketman’ Carter!” They both roar with laughter.

Unsurprisingly, the events have been sold out – the TV series was, of course, watched globally by 280 million people.

Many of those fans will be queuing up to see the new Downton film when it’s released on September 13. It takes up the story of the Crawleys and their staff in 1927, a year after the TV series ended.

The main trigger of the movie is a visit by King George V and Queen Mary (played by Simon Jones and Geraldine James) and the impact on the Downton staff. The officious royal butler (David Haig) and his retinue sweep into the kitchens ahead of the visit and announce that the resident staff will not be needed. Tensions spiral, and Lady Mary visits Carson in his retirement and pleads with him to intervene. “This is treason!” he harrumphs. “I’ll be there in the morning, m’lady.”

Did Jim find it strange returning to his role as part of a fully-fledged movie?