The Royal Insider: My Life with the Queen, the King and Princess Diana - The Instant Sunday Times Bestselling Royal Autobiography

by Paul Burrell

THE BRAND NEW REVELATORY ROYAL MEMOIR FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR PAUL BURRELL.

'A moving and at times jaw-dropping account - not just of his two decades when he had a ringside seat at the heart of the Royal Family, but also of the years since,' Richard Kay, DAILY MAIL

'For twenty-one years I was in a privileged position and shared the lives of the Queen and Princess Diana. Now that neither of these two wonderful women are here, that duty continues for me in the need to protect their legacy.'

For over two decades, Paul Burrell was a silent witness to the making of history - first as footman to Queen Elizabeth II, then as butler to King Charles III (then Prince of Wales), and, most famously, as a confidante of the late Princess Diana. Now, with a unique perspective shaped by time and change, he's ready to share his own story alongside theirs.

His bestselling memoir, A Royal Duty, about his friendship with Diana, sent shockwaves around the world, selling over two million copies. But it is only, in the wake of the Queen's passing and the commencement of a new royal era, Burrell feels he can finally tell his story in full.

In this deeply personal and intimate memoir, Burrell shares many untold stories of his life at home and abroad with the Royals. With warmth, candour, and rare insight, he recounts unexpected moments of intimacy with the Queen, who gently guided a fresh-faced, 18-year-old Burrell through palace life.

He speaks candidly about the tensions that simmered during those years - including the breakdown of Charles and Diana's marriage and his own complex relationship with Princes William and Harry.

He also reveals his heartache at parting with three of the most significant women in his life - the Queen, Diana and his wife Maria - all while navigating his own personal journey to happiness as well as a battle with prostate cancer.

Heartfelt, sincere and rich in detail, this is the memoir of a man who has lived and learned in the most extraordinary of ways.

Genres: Royalty

351 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 11, 2025

About the author

Over the course of 21 years, Paul Burrell rose from member of the Royal household staff to personal attendant to the Queen of England and then butler to the Prince and Princess of Wales. Ultimately, he became the trusted personal assistant and confidante to the late Diana, Princess of Wales. In 2003, he published his autobiography, A Royal Duty, which included his personal account of his Royal service and his close friendship with the late princess, who was arguably one of the world’s most popular and beloved public figures. This book was a London and New York Times number 1 best seller and sold in excess of 3 million copies worldwide. His next book, The Way We Were – Remembering Diana, was also a best seller throughout the world.

In 21 years of service to the British Royal family, Paul Burrell worked closely in and around some of the most beautiful homes and palaces in England. In actuality, his travels included far more than Great Britain and Europe, as his years of service gave him first‐hand experience of the most interesting houses in virtually every corner of the world. His exposure to fine homes, priceless art collections and furnishings has provided Burrell with all manner of expertise and he has become a taste arbiter and expert in food, wines, furnishings, flower arranging, etiquette and entertaining, especially in the English style.

Today, Paul Burrell resides in Farndon, Cheshire where he runs his flower shop and in his leisure time, paints watercolours. As a unique witness to Royal history, he is regularly asked to participate in TV and film documentaries. Having known personally almost every member of the current British Royal family, his credible insight is much sought after. As a TV correspondent, Burrell has provided commentary for the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen and for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Reviews

[amy :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good listen. Well done. :)

[fatima.]

princess diana lovers know that paul burrell is a real one!!!

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not a massive non fiction reader, but I was interested to read this.
It’s quite an eye opener, it made me think, and I liked the way it was written.
If you’re intrigued give it a read!

[Gena Lynam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book but found that a lot of the details are in the public domaine already. It was quite repetitive too. And again, many of the details were already covered in Paul Burrell’s first book.

Disappointing.

[Fastidious Kingdoms · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

I wouldn’t believe a word about his relationship and conversations with QEII…if I hadn’t read Angela Kelly’s books about her decades as the Queen’s dresser and friend. Mind you, I didn’t completely buy all of Ms Kelly’s accounts of Her Majesty because the Queen didn’t sound entirely real.

However, the QEII presented in both authors’ accounts speaks syntactically the same, somewhere between slightly dotty and slightly stilted. Mind you, Mr Burrell and Ms Kelly’s tenures never overlapped; I don’t know if they’ve ever met. Given their apparent unfamiliarity with each other, I’m left to believe that each author’s account corroborates the other’s. Ergo, Mr Burrell’s conversations did happen.

I also applaud Mr Burrell for finally realizing that he let Diana take over too much of his life, yet he doesn’t stop for more serious self-reflection

So, while credibility isn’t a major problem, the meandering narrative is. It’s nonlinear for reasons that elude me, and he repeats himself in several places.

Overall, it’s an informative, pleasant read, even though I wouldn’t call it enlightening.

[Maurene · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reasonable read. I didn't find anything particularly new or that I hadn't known of before
. I always feel with Paul Burrell he is as honest as he can be without hurting his number one Boss Elizabeth ll... and also his ex wife Maria.
It was a good read.



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[Kimberley Myers · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish I had not wasted an Audible credit on this. When I did a preview, it was talking about his time with Queen Elizabeth II, so I thought that would be the emphasis, but yet again he goes into Princess Diana and continues his journey, like so many others of using her as a meal train.
He does start at the beginning & talk about his childhood & how he came to work at Buckingham Palace. This part was enjoyable & informative, but once he reached Diana & then disputing claims made against him by Prince Harry in his book, Spare, I was just done.

[Monique Bujold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy read. I found it very informative and a good insight into his personal relationship with the Queen and Princess Diana. I found it to be believable.

He does repeat a few points at times. I respect his point of view and definitely read another of his books.

[Sherralynne Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb book

Having read Paul's earlier book A Royal Duty, I wondered how much new information would be shared in this book. Reading new information around the Queen's passing was enlightening and I'm delighted that I have read this book. Highly recommended. Thanks, Paul.

[Issys · Rating 3 out of 5]

You need to take things with a pinch of salt with the info in this book about the Royal family and the events recorded, but what I found fascinating was the below stairs antics that went on!

[Nichola Dangerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good read I coil t put it down, it was funny and sad in parts.

[Tammie Gunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book could not put it down. Great info in it and new stuff I never knew about. A must read for a Royal Family Fans.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with Royal Family & especially Diana and so, loved this book.