Princes attack former butler for ‘betraying’ Diana

PRINCES William and Harry launched an attack on former royal butler Paul Burrell last night, accusing him of a “cold and overt betrayal” of their late mother.

Princess Diana would have been mortified at his revelations if she were still alive, the brothers said.

Mr Burrell, who worked closely with the Princess, has released a series of claims from his new book. He fuelled conspiracy theories surrounding her death by writing that Diana feared for her life and spoke of a plot to tamper with the brakes of her car.

William, speaking on behalf of 19-year-old Harry who is in Australia described their deep pain at the stories and appealed to Mr Burrell to end his allegations. They would be prepared to meet the ex-royal servant to discuss the matter, he said.

In a statement the 21-year-old university student William said: “We cannot believe that Paul, who was entrusted with so much, could abuse his position in such a cold and overt betrayal.

“It is not only deeply painful for the two of us but also for everyone else affected and it would mortify our mother if she were alive today and, if we might say so, we feel we are more able to speak for our mother than Paul. We ask Paul please to bring these revelations to an end.”

Mr Burrell was unavailable for comment. In extracts from his new book, published by the Daily Mirror, Mr Burrell claimed Prince Philip wrote to Diana telling her he and the Queen “disapproved” of Prince Charles’ affair with Camilla Parker Bowles.

It was reported he told Diana: “I cannot imagine anyone in their right mind leaving you for Camilla.”