Menu
14/01/2008
Diana 'Considered Marriage To Doctor'
Paul Burrell, former butler to Diana, Princess of Wales, has told an inquest into her death that the princess had considered marrying heart surgeon Hasnat Khan.
Mr Burrell, who worked for the princess for more than 10 years, told the inquest that he had approached his wife's parish priest to inquire about a private marriage between a Christian woman and a Muslim man.
Mr Burrell told the inquest that the relationship between Princess Diana and Mr Khan had lasted two years until July 1997. He said that she had asked him whether it would be possible to arrange a private marriage for the couple and said that she referred to him as her soul mate.
Referring to her relationship with Mr Al Fayed, Mr Burrell said that it appeared to be a rebound relationship and that he believed that it began at the end of July that year.
He also said that a ring bought for the princess by Mr Al Fayed was a "friendship band", not an engagement ring and that she had told him that she needed marriage "like a rash".
Mr Burrell also told the inquest that he had seen letters between the princess and her father-in-law, the Duke of Edinburgh.
He said that the letters, written at the time that the princess and the Prince of Wales were getting divorced in 1992, were not nasty, but reflected the "healthy banter" between the pair.
He said that the princess "did not particularly like what she was told", but said that Prince Philip was "always frank" and was "fond" of Diana.
Mr Burrell is also likely to be questioned about a note Diana gave him which allegedly accused Prince Charles of "planning an accident in my car".
Mr Burrell, 49, was cleared of stealing possessions from the princess in 2002, after a trial at the Old Bailey collapsed.
Princess Diana was killed in a car crash in the Pont d l'Alma tunnel in Paris in August 1997, along with Dodi Al Fayed and the couple's driver, Henri Paul.
(KMcA)
Mr Burrell, who worked for the princess for more than 10 years, told the inquest that he had approached his wife's parish priest to inquire about a private marriage between a Christian woman and a Muslim man.
Mr Burrell told the inquest that the relationship between Princess Diana and Mr Khan had lasted two years until July 1997. He said that she had asked him whether it would be possible to arrange a private marriage for the couple and said that she referred to him as her soul mate.
Referring to her relationship with Mr Al Fayed, Mr Burrell said that it appeared to be a rebound relationship and that he believed that it began at the end of July that year.
He also said that a ring bought for the princess by Mr Al Fayed was a "friendship band", not an engagement ring and that she had told him that she needed marriage "like a rash".
Mr Burrell also told the inquest that he had seen letters between the princess and her father-in-law, the Duke of Edinburgh.
He said that the letters, written at the time that the princess and the Prince of Wales were getting divorced in 1992, were not nasty, but reflected the "healthy banter" between the pair.
He said that the princess "did not particularly like what she was told", but said that Prince Philip was "always frank" and was "fond" of Diana.
Mr Burrell is also likely to be questioned about a note Diana gave him which allegedly accused Prince Charles of "planning an accident in my car".
Mr Burrell, 49, was cleared of stealing possessions from the princess in 2002, after a trial at the Old Bailey collapsed.
Princess Diana was killed in a car crash in the Pont d l'Alma tunnel in Paris in August 1997, along with Dodi Al Fayed and the couple's driver, Henri Paul.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 January 2008
Burrell Accused Of 'Lies' Over Ring
The Princess of Wales' former butler, Paul Burrell, has been accused of lying about a ring given to Diana by Dodi Al Fayed at the inquest into their deaths.
Burrell Accused Of 'Lies' Over Ring
The Princess of Wales' former butler, Paul Burrell, has been accused of lying about a ring given to Diana by Dodi Al Fayed at the inquest into their deaths.
15 January 2008
Diana's Butler Gives More Evidence At Inquest
Paul Burrell, former butler to Diana, Princess of Wales, has given more evidence at the inquest into her death. Mr Burrell submitted personal journals to the coroner, after being instructed to return to his home in Cheshire to retrieve relevant material for the inquest on Monday. However, the journals were today deemed to be irrelevant.
Diana's Butler Gives More Evidence At Inquest
Paul Burrell, former butler to Diana, Princess of Wales, has given more evidence at the inquest into her death. Mr Burrell submitted personal journals to the coroner, after being instructed to return to his home in Cheshire to retrieve relevant material for the inquest on Monday. However, the journals were today deemed to be irrelevant.
08 April 2008
Burrell May Avoid Perjury Investigation
Princess Diana's former butler Paul Burrell may not face a perjury investigation as the coroner of the inquest has said that he has no plans to involve police. The jury at the six-month inquest concluded that Princess Diana and her boyfriend Dodi Al Fayed were unlawfully killed due to the "gross negligence" of driver Henri Paul and the paparazzi.
Burrell May Avoid Perjury Investigation
Princess Diana's former butler Paul Burrell may not face a perjury investigation as the coroner of the inquest has said that he has no plans to involve police. The jury at the six-month inquest concluded that Princess Diana and her boyfriend Dodi Al Fayed were unlawfully killed due to the "gross negligence" of driver Henri Paul and the paparazzi.
06 January 2004
Mirror names Royal alleged to have plotted Diana's death
The Daily Mirror has today named the senior royal whom Princess Diana had alleged was plotting to kill her. Princess Diana's allegations are contained in a private letter currently in the possession of her former butler, Paul Burrell.
Mirror names Royal alleged to have plotted Diana's death
The Daily Mirror has today named the senior royal whom Princess Diana had alleged was plotting to kill her. Princess Diana's allegations are contained in a private letter currently in the possession of her former butler, Paul Burrell.
30 November 2007
Al Fayed 'Knew' Crash Deaths Were Plotted
The Princess Diana inquest has been told of the reaction of her lover Dodi's father after hearing about the fatal crash. His immediate – calm – response was to insist that the deaths were staged deliberately – and was the result of a plot.
Al Fayed 'Knew' Crash Deaths Were Plotted
The Princess Diana inquest has been told of the reaction of her lover Dodi's father after hearing about the fatal crash. His immediate – calm – response was to insist that the deaths were staged deliberately – and was the result of a plot.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
