A Royal Duty by Paul Burrell
(Format used for this read: Audiobook)
Paul, one of the Queen’s personal footmen, met Diana during one of her first visits to Balmoral Castle. And while it may have been fate that brought them together, they shared a strong bond that endured to the end of her life. Burrell became Diana’s confidant and his unique perspective casts new light on the Princess of Wales and the events that would shape her life and the lives of those around her. At the time of her death there was much speculation about Diana’s future plans including her thoughts about remarrying and the possibility of relocating to America. Paul, who was one of the last people to speak with her, hopes to set the record straight for the Princess he so admired and cherished. Drawing on private conversations, personal recollections, diaries and letters, Paul has written an extraordinary account of a unique time in the history of the Royal Family.
Yall already know how I love Princess Diana and grew up knowing all about her.
Yall already know I recently read Andrew Morton’s book based on recordings she sent him in the early 1990s.
Yall already know I was obsessed with “Diana: The Musical” and recently got to perform in a local production ( the regional DEBUT, yall!!!)
So no surprise that I would want to read a tell all book by her personal Butler, Paul Burrell.
This book has been on my list to read for awhile, and my performer friend Sean–who actually played Paul in our production!–reminded me to bump it up my list.
THANK YOU Sean because I definitely enjoyed hearing all about Paul’s life and his perspective not just on Diana, but the royal family as a whole.
Now….
this was a LOOONNNGGGG audiobook, my friends.
18 hours to be exact😱
Yall also know I listen to my books at double speed *most* of the time.
Here’s the thing though…when the author has an accent, especially a British accent, I can only do about 1.5 speed.
Maybe 1.75 on a very attentive day.
But double speed?
FORGET IT. I can not understand it. My brain can’t process it quickly. I have zero idea why—it just is what it is.
All that to say this one took me a bit to get thru!
Paul can be kinda long winded and VERY descriptive on very simple things, but like…..SAME.
So I was okay with it. 🤣
I DID learn a few new things about Princess Diana (which is totally the entire reason I read this book), although I have to remind myself that this is HIS opinion and HIS experience.
I know that everyone who speaks about her (and of her) will have a different perspective.
Things I learned that I did not know beforehand OR I had misinformation for:
-Paul did not work for Charles and Diana until much later than I thought….he became their butler in 1987, when both princes were preschool age. I thought he worked for her as soon as she became engaged to Charles! I also didn’t realize he worked for the Queen for many years prior to that….he started working for her at the age 18 in 1976!
Paul had nothing but positive things to say about the Queen, even though he had PLENTY of criticism about Charles, describing him like the exact douchebag I have thought he was all these years. 😑
And honestly…he didn’t paint a perfect, saint like picture of Diana…he was very honest in her humanity and flaws. But you can tell by his writings and feelings that he really did care for her greatly and valued her as a friend and person. I appreciated his honesty and bluntness and him not sugar coating difficult truths or making her a martyr.
-I was surprised to hear him say that he did believe that Diana and Charles actually WERE in love for about the first 5 years of their marriage. Their relationship was not just one of duty or obligation in his opinion…he feels there was real love and connection there in the very beginning.
-Paul was NOT a fan of Andrew Morton’s book because he felt Diana sent him her self tapes in a very vulnerable time when her life was falling apart at the seams. He thinks some of what she elaborated on was said out of anger and frustration…which he also said she regretted after the fact.
-I had no idea he was put on trial for suspected STEALING years after her death! Listening to all the details of that horrific ordeal was so heartbreaking. How frustrating it must have been to have been GIFTED items from an extremely generous boss (and friend) and then have to PROVE your innocence. (spoiler alert: he was cleared of all charges after the Queen finally vouched for him…)
BUT…
I do feel kinda weird that Paul published this book….and then ANOTHER.
He does say in the book the reason for him even writing it was to clear up all the untruths that surround Princess Diana…and even the Royal Family.
I still feel like it’s kinda exploitation…IDK.
And I did feel a bit guilty after I read it…because I did ENOY reading it all.
But….not guilty enough I guess.
Will I continue to read books about the “People’s Princess”?
Yes, I will. Because I will always adore her, as so so so so many do.