One of the secrets that Princess Diana took to her grave is finally public – with her most trusted confidant and former butler, Paul Burrell wedding his gay partner amid reported concern at Buckingham Palace.
Paul, who was the subject of many highly controversial headlines both before and after Diana’s death, is to marry lawyer Graham Cooper just nine months after his divorce from wife of 32 years Maria.
The dad of two – who has been a deeply divisive figure in the royal household due to his ultra-close connection to Diana – has so far declined to comment on the news, which comes after his official split from his wife just last June.
Paul’s return to the spotlight has reportedly caused concern among some in the Palace, with some insiders said to be worried that as he fully opens up about his new life, he may be tempted to spill secrets about what he saw going on behind closed doors. One source says Paul has always been seen as a potential headache, who knows far too much.
But Princess Diana was always on his side, calling Paul her ‘rock’, and according to UK newspaper The Sun, the pair discussed his struggle with his sexuality.
“Paul’s friends and family all know but for a long time he kept it a closely guarded secret,” a source told the paper. “He did share it with Diana while he worked with her because they were so close.
“But at the time she was the only woman he felt he could tell.”
Paul has recently been more than happy to stay away from the spotlight and royal scandals, working as a florist in an English village.
Paul’s ex wife Maria now lives in Florida, and has yet to comment on the revelation. The pair met while working at Buckingham Palace.
“The decision to file for divorce was a mutual one, both Paul and Maria remain the best of friends and have two wonderful sons together who remain their priority,” said a rep at the time of their split.
This article originally appeared on WHO
