Paul Burrell served as Princess Diana’s butler and trusted confidant for ten years until her death. Dubbing himself her "rock," he became a central figure in royal media due to his books and public claims about her personal life, though his ongoing revelations have frequently sparked controversy and polarized public opinion.

 

Paul Burrell served as Princess Diana’s butler and trusted confidant for ten years until her death. Dubbing himself her "rock," he became a central figure in royal media due to his books and public claims about her personal life, though his ongoing revelations have frequently sparked controversy and polarized public opinion.

The Royal Insider's Access

Beginning his royal service at just 18 years old, Burrell quickly moved up the ranks to become the Queen’s personal footman before transferring to Princess Diana's household at Highgrove House in 1987.

• The Confidant: He became deeply integrated into Diana's inner circle, frequently assisting her with personal matters during periods when she felt isolated.
• The Aftermath: Following her tragic death, Burrell was left $50,000 in her final will. He later cemented his status as the "keeper of her secrets" by publishing several best-selling tell-all memoirs.

Controversy and the Inquest

Burrell’s relationship with Diana's memory has been fraught with legal and ethical challenges.

• Legal Battles: In 2002, he was put on trial for allegedly stealing hundreds of the Princess's personal items. The trial collapsed dramatically after it was revealed he had informed the Queen he was holding the items for safekeeping.
• The Inquest: During the 2008 Diana inquest, Burrell's credibility was heavily scrutinized after it was discovered he had secretly copied private letters and admitted on tape to throwing in "red herrings".

Public Perception and Recent Claims

Public and royal perception of Burrell is highly polarized, with many perceiving his continuous monetizing of Diana's memory as opportunistic.

• Public Consensus: Many followers of the royals view him critically, frequently expressing sentiments on platforms like Reddit Royals Gossip that he reworks known public domain information into "new" claims.
• New Revelations: Decades later, Burrell continues to make television appearances and release memoirs—partly driven by his public disputes with Prince Harry regarding the handling of Diana's estate