Review
Paul Burrell has a terrific story to tell. --The Guardian
A classy production. --The Sunday Times
A classy production. --The Sunday Times
Book Description
A No.1 bestseller and over 550,000 hardbacks sold in the UK alone.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
If, like me, you formed a negative opinion of Paul Burrell with everything you've seen in the media, I strongly suggest you read this book. Not only is it a fascinating insight into behind the scenes in the Royal Family, but you will also realise that the media has created a totally inaccurate impression of Paul Burrell and the content of his book. From reading this book, which was difficult to put down, the most significant impression I gained is that he cared deeply and sincerely about Diana, and that he has never stopped respecting her or the other members of the Royal Family. He is convincing and I hope his version of events is true, that the Queen and Prince Phillip were supportive and helpful to Diana and that she always maintained a good relationship with them. William and Harry found upsetting and shocking the part where Diana writes to Paul, saying she is scared someone is plotting her death in a car accident. I can understand that. That aside however, I cannot see what the fuss is about, this is a fantastic book, showing the Royal Family in a positive light, the kindness and humanity of the Queen and hard to see how the Royal Family were against this book. If anything, after reading it, I have more respect for them and am certainly more intrigued by them.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Royal butler Paul Burrell takes us into the glamorous shadows of Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace (BP and KP, as he calls them) and explains royal life from both sides of the throne. As fascinating as it is to learn of the daily intimacies that the Princess and Burrell shared, it is equally fascinating to learn of the protocol the royal servant had to endure in his early days. I read with great interest of how Paul and Maria were the first pair of royal servants to be allowed to get married, and how servants were supposed to be out of sight as much as possible, to the extent that they would hide in closets to avoid being seen by any member of the royal family as they were walking by. I read for the first time about the grace and favour apartments, how servants were requested not to look the royals in the eye, and how anyone who is not a HRH is required to courtsey or bow to those that are HRHs. I loved learning about all of the politics that go on "downstairs" and what all of the elaborate titles, such as Master of the Purse meant. I was also intrigued by the different dinner rooms they have at BP for different levels of servants. Absolutely fascinating. I loved hearing not only Diana's story being told in a fresh and informative light but also hearing Paul's story as well. I think it is a double treat to read about not only the life of Princess Diana but also a servant who rose from being a hotel assistant manager to the Royal Butler of not only Princess Diana, but also Queen Elizabeth. Burrell endured so much and made so many sacrifices to rise to the position of Royal Butler to Princess Diana, and it is absolutely fascinating to read about the Royal Family accusing him of stealing her records and other things, after all he did for Diana. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time and I am the better for having read it. I strongly recommend you read it too.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I didn't know quite what to expect when I bought this book. When it was first released the media scrum made it sound like the ultimate betrayal to Diana and without knowing much about Paul Burrell I pre-judged him guilty on all counts. I'm fascinated by Diana and her life so I talked myself into getting this book just to see what all the fuss was about and to see if I could glean anything else about the princess from the man closest to her.
One thing I can guarantee you.....all that was written about this book being a 'betrayal' by the man closest to Diana is a load of rubbish! He has nothing but praise for 'The Boss', the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and William & Harry and although he shared private moments between himself and members of the royal family I don't see any evidence that he betrayed anyone.
Paul Burrell makes no secret of his feelings about the late princesses family and I for one agree that the Spencer family should be ashamed of their behaviour to Diana, her memory and her closes friends.
This book is indeed a tribute to Diana and it gives her adoring public one more insight into one of the most remarkable women ever born.
Well done Mr Burrell & best of luck to you and your family!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A tribute? Yes, but to whom?
I am happy that I have read it, most of all. Was Paul Barrell in love with the princess? There must be a line between a loyalty and a total devotion, especially when one has a... Read more
Published 1 month ago by J. Janiec
Great insight into the royal households and their lives.
I read this book a long time ago and remembered when I saw it here, that I really, really enjoyed it back then. let me begin by saying that the Butler did it. Read more
Published 3 months ago by S P Mount
Needs to be read
I always suspected Mr Burrells motives in writing this,due to the media, but I have to admit though he is unnaturally besotted by Diana he shows himself to be faithful, reliable... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mrs. S. Peart
Audiobook version
Just listened to the audiobook version of Royal Duty. This is a book worth reading regardless of those against the book.
Published 6 months ago by Ms. Nicola J. Booth
Better than i thought
If you want to read this book to find out secrets of diana, then dont bother with this book. however, if like me you are interested in the monarchy behind closed doors i suggest... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Bewill
Enjoyable
I read this book after years of not wanting to. I put it off because I didn't know how truthful it would be. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Anne Brear
For always, Queen of my heart
I have always read as many of the various books written about Diana that i could lay my hands on, from the original Her True Story, which i purchased in 1992,when it was first... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Stefanie Sleep
A great book
I have always been a die hard fan of Diana; she was a lovey women with a good heart and this book proves me right. A great book by Paul Burrell.
Published on 23 Oct 2009 by BIG
You Called?
This is the account of life below stairs and indeed above stairs by Princess Diana's butler. I am one of those rather uninterested in that not well educated young woman (and,... Read more
Published on 26 Sep 2009 by Ian Millard
A Royal Duty
A fascinating insight into the day to day lifestyle of the Royal family. There is little doubt that Paul Burrell was held in high esteem by most of the Royals and it is from this... Read more
Published on 6 Sep 2009 by K. Dove
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