Royal Family: Diana’s ex-butler Paul Burrell makes new wild claims about the future of the monarchy

Paul Burrell worked with Princess Diana for 10 years between 1987 and 1997. Speaking about that time, Burrell explains that he and the Princess shared a special bond and that he was her ‘right-hand man, confidant and friend’.

In his 2006 book The Way We Were: Remembering Diana, Burrell writes that the Princess considered him as ‘the only man she ever trusted’. Though he retired from royal duties in 2007, Burrell has continued to be intimately tied to the Royal Family and often appears on TV as a royal expert.

As such, he has made some big claims and now, in January 2024, Burrell continues.

Paul Burrell, Zara and Mike Tindall

Express reports that Burrell spoke to Slingo and commented on the possibility of Zara and Mike Tindall stepping in and becoming working members of the Royal Family.

Burrell reportedly said:

I don’t see Zara and Mika Tindall are the right candidates to step up to the plate

The idea of the Tindalls becoming working members of The Firm surfaced around Christmas 2023 when their daughter Mia was seen walking with the Wales children in Sandringham. This was the opportunity for the relationship between the two families to be analysed revealing that the two were close and could potentially be the newest version of the ‘Fab Four’.

Burrell continues to explain that, for him, the fittest members of the family to become working members are Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice. However, despite Burrell’s opinion, many royal commentators have pointed out that these two are not the best candidates as they carry some of Prince Andrew’s weight.

Paul Burrell thinks King Charles will abdicate

This time Diana’s former butler spoke with the New York Post about the King. According to him, the monarch could abdicate in the coming years in favour of his son Prince William.

Sharing his thoughts Burrell said:

I think it will happen in this country. I think the king and queen have given this job 10 years, I think this is a 10-year plan,

Burrell adds:

I don’t think he will want to continue being king when crowned heads of Europe have found that they can hand over to their heirs and see them become monarch and enjoy it,

These comments are undoubtedly triggered by the abdication of Queen Margrethe of Denmark which took place on 14 January. Burrell also justifies his claims by talking about how King Charles’ abdication would be something ‘out of Prince Philip’s book’.

Burrell also explains that he sees Prince William and Kate Middleton step up later on in the year which will indicate that they are ready to take on the ultimate royal role.

In the autumn, if Kate’s health is well enough, I foresee a royal tour because the king and queen don’t like long-haul travel, so I see a tour to Canada or Australia for William and Kate (...) she is the future of the family.

Burrell is not the only one making these claims but, of course, no royals have commented on them. It seems unlikely that Queen Elizabeth’s son would abdicate after waiting for so long to access the throne and being a prime witness to his mother’ sense of duty.

What do you think? Would you be favourable to King Charles’ abdication?

Read more:

⋙ Prince Harry slammed by Diana's ex-butler: Duke 'sacrificed' Royal Family on his 'PR altar'

⋙ Prince Harry and Meghan villainized once again by former royal staff in bombshell claim

⋙ King Charles' schedule is worrying his staff as insider says it's 'a struggle to keep up with him'

Sources:

Goodreads - The Way We Were: Remembering Diana

Express: Zara and Mike Tindall savaged as ex-butler says they're not 'right' fit for senior roles

New York Post: King Charles will ‘abdicate in 10 years’ to make way for Prince William: ex-butler