📖 Overview
Paul Burrell served as a footman to Queen Elizabeth II and later became Princess Diana's butler and trusted confidant from 1987 until her death in 1997. He was often referred to as "Diana's Rock" due to their close working relationship and friendship during his tenure.
After Diana's death, Burrell wrote several controversial books about his time serving the royal family, including the bestselling "A Royal Duty" (2003) and "The Way We Were" (2006). These memoirs provided intimate details about palace life and Princess Diana's private world, though they were met with criticism from the royal family and some members of the public.
Prior to his royal service, Burrell began his career at age 18 as a junior footman at Buckingham Palace, eventually becoming Queen Elizabeth's personal footman. Following his time with the royal family, he became a media personality, appearing on various television shows including "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" and "Celebrity Big Brother."
Beyond his royal connections, Burrell has operated several business ventures including a florist shop and has continued to maintain a public profile through television appearances and speaking engagements. His books and media appearances have made him one of the most well-known former royal servants.
👀 Reviews
Readers express strong skepticism about Burrell's credibility and motivations. Many view his books as exploitative attempts to profit from his relationship with Princess Diana.
What readers liked:
- Inside glimpses of royal daily life and protocol
- Personal anecdotes about Diana's personality and habits
- Details about palace operations and staff dynamics
What readers disliked:
- Self-serving tone and perceived betrayal of trust
- Excessive focus on defending his own actions
- Repetitive content across multiple books
- Questions about accuracy of claimed conversations
From Amazon/Goodreads reviews:
"A Royal Duty" averages 3.5/5 stars across platforms
"The Way We Were" averages 2.8/5 stars
Specific reader comments:
"Feels like reading someone's attempt at self-justification" - Goodreads reviewer
"He had no right to share these private moments" - Amazon reviewer
"More about Paul than Princess Diana" - Amazon reviewer
Multiple readers note the books read like tabloid stories rather than meaningful memoirs.
📚 Books by Paul Burrell
A Royal Duty (2003)
Memoir detailing Burrell's experiences as Princess Diana's butler, including personal conversations and his perspective on royal life.
The Way We Were: Remembering Diana (2006) Collection of photographs and memories from Burrell's time working with Princess Diana, including previously unpublished images.
In the Royal Manner: Butler to Diana (1999) Guide to household management and entertaining based on Burrell's experiences serving the royal family.
A Royal Butler's Guide to Good Manners (2006) Handbook covering etiquette rules and social protocols learned during Burrell's service in royal households.
Tea for Two: The Diaries of a Royal Butler (2004) Personal diary entries chronicling Burrell's daily life and observations while working for the British royal family.
The Way We Were: Remembering Diana (2006) Collection of photographs and memories from Burrell's time working with Princess Diana, including previously unpublished images.
In the Royal Manner: Butler to Diana (1999) Guide to household management and entertaining based on Burrell's experiences serving the royal family.
A Royal Butler's Guide to Good Manners (2006) Handbook covering etiquette rules and social protocols learned during Burrell's service in royal households.
Tea for Two: The Diaries of a Royal Butler (2004) Personal diary entries chronicling Burrell's daily life and observations while working for the British royal family.
👥 Similar authors
Andrew Morton writes biographies of the British Royal Family and focuses on insider accounts of Princess Diana's life. His style and subject matter parallel Burrell's royal revelations and first-hand experiences.
Christopher Andersen produces royal family biographies with emphasis on behind-the-scenes relationships and private moments. His coverage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana's marriage contains similar personal details to Burrell's accounts.
Tina Brown reports on the British monarchy through investigative journalism and insider sources. Her work on Diana and the royal institution shares the same intimate perspective as Burrell's memoirs.
Sally Bedell Smith writes comprehensive biographies of the British Royal Family with focus on palace life and protocols. Her examination of relationships within the royal household mirrors Burrell's insider observations.
Robert Lacey specializes in British royal history and current affairs through detailed research and palace sources. His analysis of modern royal dynamics covers similar ground to Burrell's personal experiences within the institution.
Christopher Andersen produces royal family biographies with emphasis on behind-the-scenes relationships and private moments. His coverage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana's marriage contains similar personal details to Burrell's accounts.
Tina Brown reports on the British monarchy through investigative journalism and insider sources. Her work on Diana and the royal institution shares the same intimate perspective as Burrell's memoirs.
Sally Bedell Smith writes comprehensive biographies of the British Royal Family with focus on palace life and protocols. Her examination of relationships within the royal household mirrors Burrell's insider observations.
Robert Lacey specializes in British royal history and current affairs through detailed research and palace sources. His analysis of modern royal dynamics covers similar ground to Burrell's personal experiences within the institution.