Paul Burrell is a name inextricably linked with the British Royal Family, particularly with Diana, Princess of Wales. Beginning his royal service as a footman to Queen Elizabeth II, he rose to become Diana’s trusted butler and, arguably, her closest confidant in the final years of her life. 

This unique position afforded him an unparalleled, intimate view into the private world of one of the 20th century’s most iconic figures. However, his post-Diana life has been marked by a series of revelations, legal battles, and media appearances that have solidified his image as a controversial, yet undeniably captivating, figure in the royal narrative. 

Understanding Paul Burrell: A Definition

Paul Burrell RVM (Royal Victorian Medal) is a former servant of the British Royal Household. Born on June 6, 1958, in Grassmoor, Derbyshire, England, Burrell began his career in royal service at the age of 18, first as a footman to Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. 

His dedication and discretion led to his promotion to butler to Charles and Diana, the Prince and Princess of Wales, at Highgrove House in 1987. 

Following their separation, he moved with Diana to Kensington Palace in 1996, serving as her personal butler until her tragic death in August 1997. It is this decade of service to Princess Diana that profoundly shaped his life and catapulted him into the public eye, turning him from a discreet royal employee into a celebrity in his own right.

From Footman to Confidant: Paul Burrell’s Royal Journey

Paul Burrell’s journey within the British Royal Household is a testament to his ambition, discipline, and ability to build trust. His initial role as a footman involved meticulous attention to detail, impeccable service, and strict adherence to royal protocol. This foundational experience provided him with a deep understanding of the inner workings of the monarchy, from the grand ceremonies to the intimate daily routines.

The Buckingham Palace Years

Starting at Buckingham Palace, Burrell quickly distinguished himself. He learned the nuances of royal service, mastering the art of discreet efficiency and anticipating the needs of the Royal Family. This period instilled in him the core values of loyalty and professionalism, qualities that would later become central to the public’s perception of him, even amidst controversy.

Serving the Prince and Princess of Wales

In 1987, Burrell’s career took a significant turn when he was appointed butler to Prince Charles and Princess Diana at Highgrove House. This was a crucial period for the royal couple, marked by both public admiration and growing private tensions. Burrell witnessed firsthand the intricacies of their lives, from their official engagements to their private moments with their young sons, Princes William and Harry.

The Aftermath of Diana’s Death: A Public Figure Emerges

Princess Diana’s untimely death in 1997 sent shockwaves across the globe. For Paul Burrell, it marked not only the loss of his employer and friend but also the beginning of his transformation into a public figure. His presence at her funeral and his subsequent media appearances, often emotional and revealing, thrust him into the spotlight.

The “Tell-All” Memoirs and Public Backlash

Following the collapse of his theft trial, Paul Burrell embarked on a new chapter: that of a memoirist. In 2003, he released his first book, A Royal Duty, detailing his career within the Royal Household and his intimate relationship with Princess Diana. 

The book became an international bestseller, offering readers a glimpse into the private world of the monarchy, as seen through the eyes of someone who was deeply embedded within it.

However, the publication of A Royal Duty was met with strong criticism, particularly from Princes William and Harry, who accused Burrell of betraying their mother’s trust and profiting from her memory. 

They publicly condemned his actions, expressing their disappointment and sadness. This condemnation from the Princes significantly impacted public perception of Burrell, dividing opinion between those who believed he was sharing valuable insights and those who viewed him as disloyal and opportunistic.

He has since published other books, including The Way We Were: Remembering Diana and In the Royal Manner: Expert Advice on Etiquette and Entertaining from the Former Butler to Diana, Princess of Wales. 

These publications have continued to fuel discussions about royal privacy, the ethics of former royal staff speaking out, and the enduring legacy of Princess Diana. As of 2025, a new book, The Royal Insider, is expected to be released in September, indicating Burrell’s continued engagement with his past royal experiences.

Recent Trends and Paul Burrell’s Continued Relevance (as of 2025)

As of mid-2025, Paul Burrell remains a relevant figure in discussions surrounding the British Royal Family. His upcoming book, The Royal Insider, scheduled for September 2025 release, demonstrates his continued commercial appeal and public interest in his perspective. This release is likely to reignite debates about royal privacy, the ethics of former staff disclosing information, and the lasting impact of Princess Diana’s legacy.

Furthermore, his personal health journey has recently garnered attention. In January 2023, he was diagnosed with stage two prostate cancer, and by November 2023, he announced he had been given the all-clear after treatment. This personal battle has added another layer to his public persona, showcasing his resilience and openness about his health.

The ongoing narratives surrounding the Royal Family, particularly the relationships between its members and the changing public perception of the monarchy, often find Burrell offering his seasoned, albeit sometimes contentious, viewpoint. His comments are frequently picked up by global news outlets, illustrating his sustained influence as a commentator on royal affairs.

Practical Tips for Understanding Complex Public Figures Like Paul Burrell

Understanding public figures, especially those intertwined with high-profile institutions like the Royal Family, requires a nuanced approach. Here are some practical tips:

Seek Multiple Perspectives: Avoid relying on a single source of information. Read articles from various news outlets, including those with differing political leanings, to gain a balanced view. For Paul Burrell, consider his own accounts (books, interviews) alongside criticisms from royal commentators and the Royal Family itself.

Consider the Source’s Motivation: Every piece of information comes from a source with a particular agenda or perspective. For Burrell, his motivation might be to share his truth, to seek vindication, or to capitalize on his experiences. Recognizing these motivations helps in critically evaluating the information presented.

Distinguish Fact from Opinion: Media reports often blend factual information with opinion and speculation. Learn to identify the difference. For example, while Burrell’s royal service dates are verifiable facts, his interpretations of Diana’s feelings or motives are opinions.

Examine Evidence and Citations: Trustworthy statistics and authoritative sources are crucial. When an article cites a statistic or claims a fact, look for the source. For example, the mention of his RVM award is a verifiable fact, as is the collapse of his theft trial due to the Queen’s intervention.

Be Aware of Bias: Everyone has biases, including journalists and commentators. Understand that media coverage can be influenced by editorial stances, public opinion, and the desire for sensationalism.

Context is Key: Historical, social, and cultural contexts are vital for understanding any public figure’s actions and public reception. For Burrell, understanding the profound public grief following Diana’s death and the intense scrutiny of the monarchy at that time is crucial.

Recognize the Evolution of Public Figures: People change over time. Their views, circumstances, and public roles can evolve. Paul Burrell’s journey from a discreet royal butler to a media personality demonstrates this evolution.

Real-Life Examples of Paul Burrell’s Impact

Paul Burrell’s life and actions have had several tangible impacts, shaping both public discourse and individual perceptions:

Shaping the Narrative around Princess Diana: His memoirs, particularly A Royal Duty, offered an intimate and often emotional portrayal of Diana, which significantly influenced public understanding and sympathy for her. While controversial, his accounts provided a counter-narrative to more formal or official portrayals.

Sparking Debate on Royal Privacy: Burrell’s decision to publish his memoirs ignited a fierce debate about the privacy of the Royal Family and the ethical obligations of former employees. This discussion continues to this day, particularly with the recent publications by other former royal staff and members of the Royal Family themselves.

Challenging Perceptions of Royal Service: His career, from footman to trusted confidant, demonstrated the significant, albeit often unseen, roles played by royal household staff. His story highlighted the deep personal connections that can form between royals and their employees.

Demonstrating the Power of Media Personalities: Burrell’s successful transition into a reality TV star and royal commentator illustrates how individuals with unique experiences can leverage media platforms to maintain public relevance and build new careers.

FAQs

What was Paul Burrell’s exact role with Princess Diana?

Paul Burrell served as Princess Diana’s personal butler from 1987 until her death in 1997. Initially, he was butler to both Prince Charles and Princess Diana at Highgrove House. After their separation, he moved with Diana to Kensington Palace, becoming her closest aide and confidant in the final years of her life.

What were the major controversies surrounding Paul Burrell?

The primary controversies surrounding Paul Burrell involve:

The Theft Trial (2002): He was charged with stealing hundreds of items belonging to Princess Diana, Prince William, and King Charles III. The trial collapsed due to an intervention from Queen Elizabeth II, who stated Burrell had informed her he was holding items for safekeeping.

Publication of “Tell-All” Memoirs: His books, particularly A Royal Duty, were criticized by Princes William and Harry as a betrayal of their mother’s trust and an attempt to profit from her memory.

Credibility of Testimony: His testimony at the inquest into Diana’s death and subsequent comments about not telling “the whole truth” have raised questions about his reliability as a witness and his overall integrity.

Has Paul Burrell maintained a relationship with the Royal Family since Diana’s death?

No, Paul Burrell has largely been estranged from the core members of the Royal Family, particularly Princes William and Harry, since the publication of his memoirs and the controversies surrounding them. His public commentary often reflects this strained relationship. While he occasionally expresses opinions on royal matters, he does not have an active or direct relationship with the senior royals.

What is Paul Burrell’s net worth and how did he earn it?

As of May 2025, Paul Burrell’s estimated net worth is around $500,000. His wealth has been accumulated primarily through his publications (books), appearances on reality television shows, and his ongoing work as a royal commentator and public speaker. His unique position as Princess Diana’s former butler has been the foundation of his post-royal career.

What is Paul Burrell doing now (as of 2025)?

As of mid-2025, Paul Burrell continues to be a public figure. He is preparing for the release of his new book, The Royal Insider, scheduled for September 2025. He frequently provides commentary on royal affairs for various media outlets and has been open about his recent battle with prostate cancer, from which he was given the all-clear in late 2023. He also engages in public speaking, sharing anecdotes and insights from his time in royal service.

Final Thoughts

Paul Burrell’s story is a compelling narrative of loyalty, privilege, controversy, and reinvention. From a discreet royal servant to a global media personality, his life has been shaped by his unparalleled access to one of the world’s most famous women, Princess Diana. 

While his actions post-Diana’s death have been widely debated and often criticized, particularly by the Royal Family themselves, he has carved out a unique space in the public consciousness. 

\As he continues to share his perspective and experiences, Paul Burrell remains a significant, albeit contentious, voice in the ongoing saga of the British monarchy, reminding us of the human stories that lie behind the gilded doors of royal palaces. 

His journey underscores the enduring fascination with the Royal Family and the complex relationships that exist between those who serve and those who are served.

To read more, Click here