Princess Diana’s former butler Paul Burrell reveals he’s gay and is marrying his boyfriend
PRINCESS DIANA’S former butler Paul Burrell has revealed he is gay and is planning to marry his lawyer boyfriend.
Paul Burrell on his personal relationship with Princess Diana
Now a florist living in Cheshire, the 52-year-old is believed to be tying the knot with his partner Graham Cooper, 58, next month in the Lake District.
The revelation comes just nine months after the father-of-two divorced his wife Maria of 32 years.
“I can confirm their forthcoming marriage,” Paul’s spokesman told The Sun.
The couple already live together and were pictured back in 2014 at the Blackberry Creek Retreat Bed & Breakfast in Missouri, US.
Princess Diana's former butler Paul Burrell is marrying his boyfriend
Paul Burrell enjoyed a holiday with Graham Cooper (far left) in Missouri in 2014
Paul Burrell was Princess Diana's butler for 10 years
Paul - who served as Princess Diana’s butler for 10 years and is said to have been described by her as “her rock” - kept his sexuality a secret for many years.
It is believed he confided in the late royal when he worked for her and she was the only person to know of his secret.
“Paul’s friends and family all know but for a long time he kept it a closely guarded secret,” a source told the publication.
“And for a time, literally nobody knew. He did share it with Diana while he worked with her because they were so close.
Paul Burrell found himself the subject of controversy after releasing books about the Royal Family
“But at the time she was the only woman he felt he could tell.”
The Derbyshire-born former servant was first a footman for Queen Elizabeth II before becoming a butler for Diana and claimed she said he is “the only man she ever trusted”.
He has two grown-up sons with his ex-wife who now lives in a luxury home in Florida.
The two first met when they were both working at Buckingham Palace where Maria worked for Prince Philip.
Paul Burrell and his wife of 32 years Maria, got divorced last year
Paul Burrell, Hell Hole - I'm a celebrity…Get Me Out of Here
Paul Burrell has appeared on many reality shows since being thrust into the spotlight
But after living in different continents for years, there had always been constant speculation about Paul’s sexuality.
He was first thrust into the public eye after serving Diana and found himself the subject of controversy after releasing several books about the Royal Family.
Paul has since appeared in many reality shows including Celebrity Big Brother and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!