Paul Burrell’s New Royal Memoir Reignites Debate Over Princess Diana’s Legacy

Royal Confidant’s Latest Revelations

Paul Burrell, the former servant of the British Royal Household and butler to Diana, Princess of Wales, who served in her household from 1987 until her death in August 1997, is once again in the spotlight.

His upcoming memoir, ‘The Royal Insider,’ scheduled for release in September, promises new insights into the royal family. The announcement has already stirred controversy, reminiscent of his 2001 memoir ‘A Royal Duty,’ which Prince William and Prince Harry condemned as a ‘cold and overt betrayal,’ with Prince Harry particularly critical of Burrell’s actions.

Personal Journey and Recent Developments

In a personal battle earlier this year, Burrell faced prostate cancer but received the all-clear in November 2023. His life has seen significant changes in recent years, including his divorce from Maria Cosgrove, with whom he shared two children, Alexander and Nicholas. After 32 years of marriage, Burrell revealed his true sexuality in 2016, and subsequently married his partner, Graham Cooper, in April 2017.

Controversial Legacy

While Burrell has claimed that Diana described him as ‘the only man she ever trusted’ and referred to him as her ‘rock,’ these assertions have been contested. Diana’s mother, Frances Shand Kydd, viewed him quite differently, considering him ‘just another hanger-on grasping at Diana’s celebrity’.

Currently, Burrell continues to share his royal experiences, including an upcoming evening in conversation with Lorraine Kelly, where he will discuss his extraordinary life in royal service and share previously untold stories from his new book.

Looking Forward

His new book, ‘The Royal Insider: My Life with The Queen, The King, and Princess Diana,’ promises to offer fresh perspectives on his time with the royal family, including a notable private meeting with Queen Elizabeth II that proved pivotal in his life. Burrell continues to maintain a presence in public discourse on matters relating to the British Royal Family, though his revelations and continued public appearances continue to spark debate about loyalty and discretion in royal service.