Princess Diana’s former butler has entered the growing debate over Charles Spencer’s new book about his late sister. Paul Burrell strongly challenged parts of Spencer’s memoir, particularly his account of King Charles’ reaction to Diana’s death. The comments add another voice to the controversy surrounding Swan Song: Diana, My Sister. However, Burrell’s recollections represent his own account of events and directly conflict with Spencer’s version.
Princess Diana’s former butler reportedly responds to Charles Spencer’s account of her life
According to The Mirror, Burrell discussed Spencer’s memoir during an appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored. He argued that the book was more focused on Spencer than on Princess Diana. Burrell also described the memoir’s perspective as “spiteful” and “revengeful.” Moreover, he disputed Spencer’s claim that Charles sounded “giddily elated” after Diana died in Paris in 1997.
Burrell said he was in Paris when the then-Prince Charles arrived. He recalled seeing a “broken man” who appeared devastated and had clearly been crying. Independent footage from the Piers Morgan Uncensored interview also shows Burrell describing Charles as pale and frightened. Therefore, he said he did not recognize the man portrayed in Spencer’s account.
Burrell also questioned how close Spencer remained to Princess Diana during the final years of her life. He claimed her wider family had a complicated relationship with her fame and public popularity. Spencer, however, has described the book differently. He previously called it a “simple tribute” to his sister and said he wanted to record his own memories before the 30th anniversary of her death.
The memoir was released on September 22. It has already generated renewed scrutiny of Diana’s marriage, funeral and relationship with the royal family. Meanwhile, Spencer has faced criticism from several directions. One commentator recently accused him of “cashing in” on Diana’s legacy, a characterization Spencer has rejected.
For now, the debate highlights sharply different memories of Princess Diana’s life and death. Burrell’s response adds another conflicting account rather than settling the disputed claims in Spencer’s memoir.
