Princess Diana’s former butler, Paul Burrell, would know what was going on behind closed doors in the royal quarters. Following the death of our beloved Princess Diana, he revealed shocking details about Diana’s private life, much to her family’s dismay. Burrell is now Harry’s butler, and following the wedding of the late princess’s son, Burrell has spoken out about Harry and Meghan Markle’s relationship. Learn more as you read!
The Butler Of Princess Diana Shares His Thoughts on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Marriage
Insider Info
For decades, Burrell had worked for the royal family. As a result, we can be confident that he knows what he’s talking about. When he was a child, he went to Buckingham Palace for the first time. Since then, he has been enthralled by the British monarchy. He was eventually hired as Queen Elizabeth’s footman, a prestigious position. Yes, he knows everything there is to know about Britain’s most famous family.
Insider Info
The Butler
Burrell’s dual role in the royal family eventually made him a household name. He worked as Princess Diana’s butler for ten years, which brought him closer to his boss when it all came to an end due to her untimely death. Burrell told us that he was “the only man [Diana] ever trusted.”
The Butler
A Controversial Figure
Burrell was relieved of his duties, but he continued to make newspaper headlines and became a divisive figure. In 2001, the police launched a search in Cheshire County, England, in response to complaints. What one came to his rescue after Burrell allegedly robbed Diana, her ex-husband Charles, and her eldest son, Prince William? It’s Her Majesty on the other end of the line!
A Controversial Figure
Speaking In His Defense
Burrell’s trial was sensationally ignored after the Queen intervened in his defense, despite the fact that he was charged with robbery. She had given her former employee permission to store the 310 items in question. As a result of this ruling, Burrell’s charges in court have been dropped.
Speaking In His Defense
Not The Last Time
This isn’t the last time Burrell’s actions have been called into question. An ex-royal household member was found to have secretly duplicated the princess’s and others’ messages during the investigation into Diana’s death in 2008. On the other side, Burrell said that he did so because of the papers’ “historical significance.”
Not The Last Time
His Personal Life
There’s also Burrell’s personal life, which has caused a lot of discussions. In 2016, he and his wife Maria announced their divorce after 32 years of marriage. Graham Cooper, the ex-wife, the butler, was married for the second time a year ago. Burrell once told Diana that he was gay, according to a source.
His Personal Life
Is It True?
Is this what happened? Burrell shared, “Diana and I never explored my sexuality in-depth, but it was a known fact between us,” he said OK! Magazine in 2020. “Let’s face it: I created beautiful floral arrangements, selected her dresses, and advised her. All of the hints were there, and she was a sly lady.”
Is It True?
Being In The Spotlight
Burrell has thrived in the limelight, not least by penning several books about his interactions with the royal family. He’s already a reality TV regular, having starred on Celebrity Big Brother, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Australian Princess in the United Kingdom, and serve as a judge on Australian Princess. The ex-butler is known as an expert because he had firsthand knowledge of the royal family’s inner workings.
Being In The Spotlight
The Ideal Correspondent
As a result, Burrell was the ideal royal reporter for Lorraine, a British morning television show. He worked in the days leading up to Harry and Meghan’s wedding, and it’s said that his proximity to the groom’s mother helped him land the part.
The Ideal Correspondent
Giving His Opinions
Since then, Burrell hasn’t stopped discussing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. During an interview for a British interview in 2019 called Kate v Meghan: Princesses at War?, the former royal aide characterized the Suits actress as a “powerful and independent individual.” Nonetheless, he doubted that anyone from such a humble background could adapt to her new lavish surroundings.
Giving His Opinions
Marrying The Most Traditional Family
Burrell has stated, “Meghan has married into the most conservative family in the country: the royal family.” He went on, “How is she going to do with it?” Princess Diana has raised in a mansion the size of Buckingham Palace, and she was lost.” He said this in the sense of drawing similarities with the woman he had known for a decade.
Marrying The Most Traditional Family
Royal Protocol
According to Burrell, Meghan would be in serious trouble if she did not follow royal protocol. “For those visiting Buckingham Palace for the first time, it is a minefield. People set traps, and they weren’t real good to this young girl just joining this country. Who might like to be a member of the family?” Burrell said.
Royal Protocol
His Advice
On the other hand, Burrell gave Meghan some advice on how to cope with the pressures of royal life. He urged her to get to know Harry’s grandmother, the Queen, the family’s most powerful member. Diana’s supposed confidante also advised Meghan to stay as faithful to her new husband as possible.
His Advice
Commenting On The Couple
Since then, Burrell has continued to make comments about the royal couple. He was asked about Harry and Meghan’s son Archie’s birth on a May 2019 episode of Good Morning Britain. In response to a question about how Diana might receive her fourth grandchild, he said, “She’d be in her element, wouldn’t she?” “[Meghan’s mother] Doria will not get a peek in,” he went on. She’d have been overjoyed.”
Commenting On The Couple
Protective Of His Family
That was not, however, the end of the story. After the British television premiere of Harry and Meghan: An African Journey in October 2019, Burrell appeared on Good Morning Britain. The Duke of Sussex explains why he feels compelled to protect his relatives in the documentary, saying, “My mom specifically taught me a certain collection of principles of which I will still strive to maintain – including the position and the work that often requires if you know what I mean.”
Protective Of His Family
A Loving Husband
“Everything that [Diana] went through and what happened to her is painfully raw every single day,” Harry added. “So it’s not that I’m paranoid; it’s just that I don’t want a replay of the experience.” And if someone else knew what I knew – be a parent, a partner, or someone else – you’d probably be doing the same stuff I’m doing.”
A Loving Husband
Devastated
“I knew [Harry] was distraught, and to step behind his mother’s coffin in front of the world was so dreadful,” Burrell said about the documentary on Good Morning Britain. “And it has had an enormous effect on him,” he said. He claims the media followed [Diana] to her death.”
Devastated
Bold Statements
Burrell was welcomed back to Good Morning Britain in January 2020, despite his proclivity for making controversial remarks. Later that month, Harry and Meghan announced that they would be stepping down as senior royals. Following up on his feelings about the drama, the retired butler drew yet another parallel between Meghan and Diana.
Bold Statements
What Diana Might Do
To begin with, Burrell assumed that his late employer had given his blessing to the couple’s contentious decision. He said, “As I’ve seen this happen in America, I’ve been thinking of [Diana].” She must have offered the boys guidance and suggested to them, ‘Marry for love,’ which they have, ‘Be kind and kind to your partner,’ which they both have, but [also] ‘Be content.'”
What Diana Might Do
Not Afraid To Cut Ties
“Diana wasn’t [happy], and Meghan and Harry aren’t [either] in the setting they’re in – being suffocated by the royal household,” Burrell added from his Florida home. “Diana finds it difficult, marrying the whole family.” He also said that Diana and Meghan were not averse to severing ties with others if necessary.
Not Afraid To Cut Ties
Wanting To Flee
According to Burrell, Diana had already planned to flee the country. The former royal aide says that “she had the arrangements for that on her living room floor to purchase a house in Malibu before she went abroad to the Mediterranean.” Is it any wonder Harry is chasing his wife’s wishes and [in] his mother’s footsteps?”
Wanting To Flee
Feeling Sorry
Burrell, on the other hand, expressed concern for one of his former employers. “Of course, I feel unfortunate for the Queen,” he says. 93 years ago. Our queen has seen a great deal through the years and seen a great deal happen to her kin, and she has evolved with the times.”
Feeling Sorry
Prince Harry And His Brother
Burrell expressed concerns about the prince’s relationship with his older brother, stating, “I feel sad for William and Harry not having the connection they once had.” When their mother passed, they became bonded and inseparable. I’m sorry, and I’m sure their mother is as well.”
Prince Harry And His Brother
Taking Her Side
As Good Morning Britain’s Piers Morgan asked Harry and Meghan about their work ethic, Burrell claimed to assist Meghan. “It’s difficult for the outside world to grasp what it’s like to exist in a palace,” he retorted. You marry the whole family, not just one male. [Meghan] was utterly oblivious of what she was letting herself into. Nobody else can.”
Taking Her Side
A Note From Diana
Burrell then stated that he had received a letter from Diana, which stated, “I recently saw a letter [that the princess] sent to me.” She wrote to me about her potential, saying, ‘I will look up and live, laugh, and love.’ And I agree they are sincere terms to give to Harry and Meghan.”
A Note From Diana
Supporting Them Unconditionally
So, according to Burrell, would Diana have approved of her youngest son’s partnership? The former butler hinted as much in an interview with CheshireLive in April 2020, saying, “Princess Diana must have needed her sons to be content and would have loved them unconditionally.”
Supporting Them Unconditionally
Living A Happy Life
“[With Harry] being sixth in line to the throne, it is doubtful that he would become king,” Burrell said. Why not offer [him and Meghan] a happier life? And with the Queen’s support, there’s no excuse why they can’t accomplish their ambitions and be fully self-sufficient.”
Living A Happy Life
A Lot In Common
In a subsequent interview with Closer, Burrell explored something he had in common with Harry’s wife and his late mother. He said, “Harry sought and married Meghan because she is close to Diana.” Both [are] independent people who will never step away from speaking up for what they believe in.” Despite this, Burrell claims that Meghan and Diana’s resemblance would have caused some tension if Diana were still alive.
A Lot In Common
They Would Have Clashed
“I believe [Diana and Meghan] may have clashed,” Burrell hypothesized. “I imagine it would have been two powerful, autonomous women with opposite viewpoints. It must have come down to Meghan’s way and Diana’s way.” He did not, however, deny that the two are distinct in many ways.
They Would Have Clashed
The Main Difference
Burrell went on to share, “the biggest distinction between them is that Meghan has a game plan, while Diana was inexperienced and naive.” Although the princess appears to have used the media during her career, her former butler claims it was not for the same reasons as Meghan.
The Main Difference
Courting The Press
According to Burrell, “Diana did the book with Andrew Morton and courted the press over the years when she didn’t have a voice.” “And her tenacity meant she loved, and she believed the citizens of the world had a right to know what was going on behind closed doors. You might claim Meghan does as well, but I believe her press courtship is mostly about her career.”
Courting The Press
Selling Her Public Image
The Duchess of Sussex, according to Burrell, is much more comfortable selling her public image than her late mother-in-law. He then went on to say, “In years to come, we’ll see [Meghan] on red carpets, with A-list friends, and maybe in films.” Diana, on the other side, was not like that. She seemed uninterested in promoting herself.”
Selling Her Public Image
Worrying For The Family
Meghan’s news links seem to be a source of concern for Burrell. According to the ex-royal aide, the duchess and her husband should avoid any mention of being stalked. “They still need to consider being photographed by the paparazzi,” he said. They can’t have a fully private life.”
Worrying For The Family
From A Celebrity To A Royal
Meghan’s alleged enjoyment of the spotlight has irritated Burrell in the past. In a 2019 article for The Sun, he said, “The distinctions between celebrity and royal are increasingly blurred.” There is a definite distinction between the two, and Meghan is oblivious to it. ‘We are not celebrities,’ the Queen has always claimed. Being a princess is something completely different.’”
From A Celebrity To A Royal
A Part Of The Royal Family
“[Meghan] might claim she doesn’t have to toe the line, but she has a royal title now, and becoming a part of the royal family demands a lot,” He added. “She can’t get her cake and eat it, too. I believe we will all have to wait with bated breath to see if this one plays out. It is undeniably a ferocious, tempestuous comet that is streaking through the royal family.”
A Part Of The Royal Family
Having A Baby
Unlike most of the press, Burrell does not believe the Duchess of Sussex is the brains behind her alliance. “, he explained. “Meghan is an intelligent woman with her mind.” She may seem to be exploiting Harry, but she is not! I’m sure they talk about it, and they’ll have another kid soon.” He was right about the kid!
Having A Baby
Making Headlines For Other Reasons
On the other hand, Burrell is known for more than just his opinions on Harry and Meghan. In May 2020, he made headlines once more when he revealed what he said was a previously unseen letter from Princess Diana. In the note, which was reportedly published in 1992, the royal mentions a visit to Mother Teresa’s Calcutta convent house. Despite the fact that Diana did not have the opportunity to meet the saint, the journey seems to have been extremely beneficial to her.
Making Headlines For Other Reasons
Deep Spiritual Experience
Diana revealed in a handwritten letter to Burrell, “Today, something significant touched my life.” I went to Mother Teresa’s house and got the answers I’d been looking for for years. When I entered, the sisters sang to be – a truly sacred moment – and I rose to many great heights of my spirit.”
Deep Spiritual Experience
What Is He Up To Now?
Now that he isn’t hanging out with royalty, what else is Burrell up to? He sold his floristry company, which he had owned for nearly 18 years, to travel with his husband, Cooper, in 2019. He also addressed the upcoming tour with the Daily Mail, saying, “I want to take [Cooper] to places I’ve been with the Queen and the princess and think, ‘I recall being on this spot with the Queen on the Great Wall of China.'”
What Is He Up To Now?
Not Just Burrell
Burrell isn’t the only one who has unearthed new Diana details. On the night of the fatal accident that claimed the princess’ life, firefighters were on the scene, attempting to save the princess and her fellow passengers. While on the job, a member of the ambulance crew overheard what he believed to be Diana’s last words, which he later revealed years after her death.
Not Just Burrell
The Fireman At The Scene
Xavier Gourmelon has no idea who is involved in a traffic accident inside a Paris tunnel when he arrives. As a firefighter removes a blonde woman from the wreckage’s back, she draws him closer. She may want to speak with him. Gourmelon has no idea that the words she speaks to the man attempting to save her will be her last words.
The Fireman At The Scene
Heading To The Scene
Gourmelon was one of ten firefighters sent to the underpass of the Pont d’Alma. A Mercedes-Benz W140 with a broken front end was discovered. Unfortunately, one of the men inside seemed to have already vanished. As a result, Gourmelon scrambled to figure out how he could help, and the blonde woman proved to be the ideal candidate.
Heading To The Scene
Keeping Her Last Words Secret
Gourmelon was taken aback when he learned that the woman had died in surgery, given her relatively good health while in the tube. The fact that the person in question was none other than Princess Diana contributed to the seriousness of the situation. Unbeknownst to much of the world, the Paris firefighter wanted to keep her last feelings to himself for the next two decades.
Keeping Her Last Words Secret
Her Life Changed Forever
Diana grew up as a member of the British upper elite, and until her tragic death, she resided near the royal estate of Sandringham. Winston Churchill’s distant cousin found work doing menial jobs after failing to excel in school. Greater things awaited the fresh-faced young woman, and her life would never be the same.
Her Life Changed Forever
She Caught The Prince Of Wales’ Attention
Diana is said to have piqued the attention of her sister Sarah’s fiance, Charles, Prince of Wales when she was a teenager. Before she knew it, she was dating the British heir to the throne. In 1981, the couple married in a lavish ceremony that was broadcast live to hundreds of millions of people around the world.
She Caught The Prince Of Wales’ Attention
The Princess Of Wales
Diana, Princess of Wales, should have had the entire world at her disposal now that she was married, particularly after learning she was pregnant with a child. On the other hand, Diana’s health has started to deteriorate. Due to feelings of inadequacy, she threw herself down the stairs while pregnant. The paparazzi had also started to irritate her, with photographers photographing her while pregnant in a bikini. The agony didn’t end there.
The Princess Of Wales
Affairs
Unfortunately, behind the scenes, what seemed to be a fairy tale union turned out to be a tragedy. According to reports, both the prince and the princess had affairs, and Diana battled an eating disorder and mental health issues. Camilla Parker-Bowles, with whom Charles had rekindled an old affair, has convinced Charles to divorce her husband.
Affairs
They Later Separated
The royal couple divorced in 1996 after splitting in 1992. Worse, Diana had become more distant as a result of the split, making it impossible to keep confidants. According to a Daily Mail journalist, she had only five immediate friends at the time of her death. Diana’s love life flourished after her marriage to Charles ended, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
They Later Separated
Her Flings
The young and lovely princess is said to have attracted a slew of suitors. When she was married, she had affairs with men, including bodyguard Paul Manakee and cavalryman James Hewitt. She was also reportedly forced to end a relationship with James Gilbey, a car dealer, after recordings of him calling her “Squidgy” surfaced. As one would expect, the press flocked to that particular story.
Her Flings
A Man Named Hasnat Khan
It seemed as though after Diana met heart and lung surgeon Hasnat Khan, she really found some kind of comfort. However, with everything that was going on she still preferred to keep her relationship with Khan very private. Diana chose to keep out away from the spotlight and public eye as much as she could.
A Man Named Hasnat Khan
She Loved Him
In addition to that, it emerged that the Princess of Wales had told her friends that she actually never met anyone like Khan before. Diana accompanied her good friend one day to visit her husband where he was recovering at Royal Brompton Hospital in London. This was the first time Diana met the esteemed British- Pakistani Doctor.
She Loved Him
They Were Almost Married
According to Vanity Fair, Khan and Diana’s relationship had developed relatively quickly. The Princess often described him as ‘Mr. Wondeeful’ and it seemed as though they were heading towards marriage very soon. In spite of Diana’s efforts to persuade Khan that the two say their vows in secret, Khan simply turned down the proposal.
They Were Almost Married
He Declined
Hasnat Khan had quickly become smitten with Lady Diana, he was wanted to remain a private figure despite being in a relationship with one of the most famous women in the world. He even suggested that two moves to Pakistan, where the press and media would be less intrusive in their affairs. According to close sources, Diana seriously considered this option.
He Declined
The Romance Faltered
Additionally, insiders also revealed that the Princess disclosed her feelings for the surgeon to her friend, Imran Khan who is now the Pakistan Prime Minister. Even though many described Hasnat Khan as the ‘love of Diana’s life’, their relationship began to stumble. To avoid the risk of disappointment, Diana performed at the ballet and visited Mother Teresa before being featured on Vanity Fair’s cover in July 1997.
The Romance Faltered
A Trip To France
During the summer of 1997, Diana accepted the invitation by billionaire Mohamed Al-Fayed to spend the summer in St. Tropez, France. Prince William and Prince Harry accompanied their mother as well, and they stayed in the businessman’s villa. Apparently, this is when Diana’s romance with Dodi is said to have started…which seems quite obvious.
A Trip To France
Harassed By Photographers
Something else that seemed quite evident is the fact that journalists and photographers completely harassed the Princess while she was trying to enjoy her vacation. They try to get pictures of her at any time they could. During an unplanned press conference, Diana explained to the congregated reporters that the next thing she did was going to do would totally impress them. Unfortunately, those words would soon prove to be fateful.
Harassed By Photographers
They Already Knew Each Other
Diana was already well-acquainted with Dodi Fayed and his posse, St. Tropez was merely a time for them to get to know each other better. Dodi was Al-eldest Fayed’s son, and as one of the billionaire’s grandchildren, he was born and raised in wealth. However, he was also able to establish himself as a film director, with movie credits to Chariots of Fire and Hook.
They Already Knew Each Other
Ending Her Affair With Khan
As stated by reporters’, Diana chose to end her two-year relationship with Hasmat Khan as she wanted to return to London. Although, the surgeon did have an inclination that she was in fact dating someone else. He also suspected that it may have possibly been someone from the Al-Fayed family. Khan didn’t highly regard the Egyptian billionaire and even told the princess that he didn’t think the relationship would be good for her.
Ending Her Affair With Khan
Smitten With Diana
With all that was going on Dodi Fayed was completely enamored by the Princess of Wales. Fayed was determined to make his intentions clear to Diana, the film producer allegedly gifted the former royal a bouquet of lavish roses, tropical fruit, and a gorgeous Cartier watch. It took some time before he began to see Diana reciprocate in their relationship.
Smitten With Diana
The Ring On Her Hand
There were multiple opinions circulating about how serious Diana and Dodi’s relationship was. So much was going on in the late summer of 1997. According to Vanity Fair, Fayed had full intentions to give the Princess of Wales a ring. But other reports stated that Diana told her friend Rosa Monckton that if Dodi gifted her the ring, she would only wear it on the right hand.
The Ring On Her Hand
Dodi
But then other, contradicting reports also seemed to surface. According to Monckton, Diana was simply trying to make Hasnat Khan jealous and resentful. But at the same time, Dodi’s father, Mohamed Al-Fayed believed the ring that his son gave to Diana was actually to commemorate the couple’s engagement.
Dodi
Enjoying Each Other’s Company
Whatever the real truth was, but Diana and Dodi were obviously having a real good time together. At the end of July, the pair agreed to go on a cruise together in the beautiful Sardinia. Even though they were well aware that the paparazzi were not too far away from them. It didn’t take too long before photos of the couple cuddling on Fayed’s yacht were released for the world to see. This happened while Diana was in Bosnia for an anti-landmine event.
Enjoying Each Other’s Company
In France Once Again
By the end of August 1997, the new couple was back in France. This time in Paris, the two stayed at the luxury, Hôtel Ritz. While Dodi went to a jeweler to get the ring that he planned on giving the Princess, she stayed in the hotel suite. According to an article that was published in the Daily Mirror, the pair then intended to dine at the posh Benoit restaurant. This was on the evening of August 30th, 1997.
In France Once Again
Change Of Plans
For some reason, the twosome changed their minds after realizing they were being followed by more than 30 photographers while trying to make it to dinner. So, instead, they returned to the Ritz and proceeded to dine at the hotel’s amazing restaurant, L’Espadon. Once the couple had sat down, Dodi got nervous that some of the guests may have been paparazzi too. This is what encouraged Diana and him to return to their room.
Change Of Plans
They Were Pursued
It turns out that the couple had actually planned to spend the night at Dodi’s deluxe apartment near the Champs-Élysées once they had finished dinner. Much to their despair, they had run into an issue, the two had actually be followed since leaving the hotel the previous night. Naturally, the pair were positive that the press was still on the hunt for them. So, within a matter of minutes, a plan was organized.
They Were Pursued
The Plan
Even though it was his night off, deputy head of hotel management, Henri Paul, was given the special task to drive the pair. Paul, Dodi, Diana, and a bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones left the hotel via the back all while two decoy vehicles would drive out from the front. At the time, it was early morning of August 31, 1997.
The Plan
The Photographers Saw Through The Plan
As a result, Paul soon encountered darkness but the paparazzi were notified about the situation and began chasing the Mercedes. According to some conflicting reports, the press tried to unsuccessfully “block” Paul so that he would slow down. But instead, the limo kept going hurriedly, reaching speeds of around 65 mph before colliding.
The Photographers Saw Through The Plan
Losing Control Of The Car
Sadly, the Mercedes lost control as it raced through the tunnel beneath Pont d’Alma. As there was no photographer close enough to cause the accident, the person who was to blame was occurrence was Paul. Afterward, it emerged that he had consumed enough alcohol to put him three times over the legal driving limit. But that was not all…
Losing Control Of The Car
They Only Took Pictures
As the car accelerated to unbelievable speed, Paul then lost control of the vehicle which then rapidly crashed into a central reservation pillar. The horrible car accident instantly killed Paul. The fatal impact caused substantial damage. But what exactly happened to the rest of the passengers that were in the car too?
They Only Took Pictures
They Did Nothing
As soon as the crash happened, witnesses who arrived soon after the accident took place reported that the paparazzi swarmed the scene to get all the footage they could. Despite the fact that major damage had been done, the photographers did nothing to help the passengers that were clearly hurt. Contrary to what people believed, the press just stood there taking photos. Fortunately, someone called 911, and within minutes firefighters from the nearby Malar, station arrived.
They Did Nothing
Gourmelon Shares What Happened
Gourmelon, who was on duty the night of the accident was also in charge of the rescuers. When being interviewed any years after the disaster, he explained just what he and his team and actually uncovered. “The car was in a mess, and we just dealt with it like any road accident. We got straight to work to see who needed help and who was alive.”
Gourmelon Shares What Happened
Beyond Help
“For me, this was simply a banal traffic accident – one of many that emergency services have to deal with – and it was the usual causes: speed and a drunk driver,” Gourmelon explained. He stated that right from the beginning it was evident that Paul could not be helped. Gourmelon said, “When I got to the car, I could see the driver was already dead, and there was nothing that could be done for him.”
Beyond Help
Suffering A Heart Attack
He went on to describe that of course, the situation at the back of the Mercedes was not any more faultless. Dodi had actually suffered a heart attack while he was in the car. As one of the paramedics lifted him out, he described it as his (Dodi’s) “moment of death.” In spite of the fact that Dodi’s bodyguard, Rees-Jones suffered severe injuries, he survived the crash.
Suffering A Heart Attack