Who is Paul Burrell? Princess Diana’s butler and I’m a celebrity star – The US Sun

PAUL Burrell is best known as Princess Diana’s butler and longtime friend.

Since her death in 1997, he has made numerous television appearances, covering his time with the royal family. That’s what we know about him.

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Who is Paul Burrell?

Paul Burrell, born 6 June 1958, served as servant to Queen Elizabeth II and butler to Diana, Princess of Wales.

Burrell entered royal service at 18 and became the Queen’s personal servant a year later.

He was inspired to work for the monarchy after visiting Buckingham Palace from his coal-mining hometown of Grassmore, Derbyshire, as a child.

Burrell became a close confidant of the princess, who once referred to him as “her rock”.

He divorced his 32-year-old wife Maria in 2016 to wed boyfriend Graham Cooper on April 3, 2017.

The £30,000 Lake District civil union ceremony was held at the Linthwaite Hotel in Bowness, Cumbria.

The butler had repeatedly denied claims he was gay, but a source said Diana was the only woman he ever told his true sexuality to.

Burrell came under fire in 2008 during an inquest into Diana’s death.

It had just emerged that he was secretly copying letters between her and other members of the royal family.

He told the hearing it was of “historical importance” but was accused of being a “porous stone”.

In January 2023, Burrell announced that he had prostate cancer.

How long did Paul Burrell work for the royal family?

Burrell worked for the royal family for 21 years.

He began his royal career right out of school and served as a royal servant for much of his adult life.

Burrell joined the household of Charles and Diana at Highgrove House in 1987.

He became the Princess’ butler and remained in that capacity until her death in 1997.

Burrell described herself as Princess Diana’s “best friend” and claimed she was “the only man she ever trusted.”

What TV shows was Paul Burrell on and when was he on I’m A Celebrity?

Burrell appeared in the 2004 season four of I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.

He stayed in the jungle for 16 days and reached the finals of the competition.

The series was won by comedian Joe Pasquale, Burrell was a close second by a 2% margin.

He competed in four Bushtucker Trials and received 75% of his stars.

In 2022, he will return to the show for the spin-off All Stars.

The former royal butler has also made frequent television appearances throughout his career, largely due to his close relationship with the princess.

Burrell was the Royal Correspondent on the TV show Lorraine ahead of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding.

He was chosen by bosses because of his close relationship with Harry’s mother Diana.

Is Paul Burrell married and does he have children?

Burrell married Maria Cosgrove in 1984 and the two were married for 32 years.

Cosgrove used to work for Prince Philip and the couple met while working at Buckingham Palace.

The couple had two children together, Alexander and Nicholas.

In 2016, however, Burrell told his then-wife that he wanted to separate because of his secret homosexuality.

The butler married friend Graham Cooper in Bowness-on-Windermere in April 2017.

He explained that his ex-wife believed her sons would no longer want a relationship with their father after they found out he was gay.

“She said, ‘You could lose your sons. You’re going to lose them because they won’t understand,’ but she was wrong,” Burrell said.

His two sons were expected to fly from their homes in the US to attend his wedding to Graham Cooper.

In 2019, Burrell sold his florist business and retired to live with his husband at their Cheshire home.