Prince Harry 'would never have married Meghan Markle if Princess Diana were alive,' Paul Burrell claims
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are happily married with two children
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married in 2018, but according to former royal butler Paul Burrell, that union may never have happened if Princess Diana were still alive.
Last week marked a long-awaited reunion between King Charles and Prince Harry, their first face-to-face meeting in 19 months.
The 55-minute private tea at Clarence House has sparked hope that father and son might finally be thawing any tensions between them.
But according to Burrell, Princess Diana’s former butler and friend, the reunion may not be enough to steer Prince Harry back to the path his late mother had hoped for him.
Paul Burrell claims that Prince Harry and Meghan would ‘never have married’
In an interview with the Mirror, Burrell claimed that Princess Diana would be “disappointed” by her youngest son’s recent behaviour, especially his decision to distance himself from Prince William and speak out against the royal family.
“Diana’s wish was for Harry to support William throughout his journey to become monarch,” claimed Burrell. “But William’s on his own now. To him, his brother can’t be trusted.”
Burrell lived with the princes during their childhood at Kensington Palace. He said he no longer recognises the man Harry has apparently become.
If Diana had lived, Harry would never have married Meghan.
As for Harry’s marriage to Meghan, Burrell delivered his most controversial claim yet.
He alleged: “If Diana had lived, Harry would never have married Meghan. He wouldn’t have acted out, wouldn’t have rebelled, and would never have crossed paths with her, he would’ve married an English aristocrat, settled down, conformed, and done his job.”
Burrell said that Diana might have supported Harry’s desire for independence, but took issue with how it was carried out. Regarding Meghan, he acknowledged her ambition but also questioned her influence on Harry and whether Diana would have approved.
He theorised that Harry was “mesmerised” with Meghan “because she reminded him of his mother”.
Prince William may ‘never’ trust Harry again
Meanwhile, Burrell credited King Charles’ decision to meet with Harry to his deep-rooted Christian values, particularly his belief in forgiveness.
But when it comes to Prince William, Burrell is less optimistic.
Based on what he observed during the brothers’ childhood, he believes William feels betrayed. Not just by Harry’s actions, but by his refusal to stop making private family matters public.
He said it’s “inconceivable that William would ever trust him again”.
The former butler’s relationship with the royal family has not been without controversy.
In 2002, he faced charges related to Princess Diana’s belongings, which were later dropped after a statement from Queen Elizabeth II.
Burrell has said part of the reason he wrote his latest book, The Royal Insider, was to set the record straight after aspects of his character were called into question.
Despite his frustration, Burrell said he still holds affection for both princes, remembering the young boys he helped raise.
Ultimately, he added he simply wants Harry to become the man Diana always hoped he would be. He said “his mother raised him better”.
Royal Insider has contacted reps for Prince Harry for comment.
Read more: King Charles may have sent Prince Harry ‘private birthday message’ after London meeting
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