Princess Diana's Butler Says 'The Crown' Is "Pretty Close to the Truth"
"I'm afraid that's what I saw behind closed doors."


While Netflix's The Crown is considered fiction, one source close to the royal family—Princess Diana's former butler Paul Burrell—tells The Sun that some of the events depicted, specifically in regard to Diana and Charles, are "pretty close to the truth." Interestingly, the royal family gave not only a "no" but a "firm no" when it came to fact-checking the events of the show.
Burrell weighed in on how the Netflix drama portrayed Prince Charles and Princess Diana's relationship, and how the ever-so-wonderful Josh O'Connor got Charles' right. In an interview with The Sun, Burrell said, "Josh O'Connor plays Prince Charles as a rather uncaring, cold person. And I'm afraid that's what I saw behind closed doors." Burrell continued saying: "He was married to probably the most beautiful woman in the world. But he didn't look after her, and that's what comes across in The Crown."
Burrell worked alongside Diana for ten years and has commented numerous times on the late People's Princess. He told The Sun he believes the rift goes back to Princess Diana's sudden rise in popularity. "You're seeing an unknown young girl rise while Charles's star doesn't and her popularity becomes greater than his," said Burrell. "And that's the whole problem."
Burrell added: "Diana said to me, 'I thought when I got married that my husband would be there for me, to care for me, to support me, to encourage me, but he isn't.'" And to skeptics who doubt the accuracy, Burrell says: "People that jump up and say, 'Well, that's not factual', well, that's pretty close to the truth."
Related Stories
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Bianca Rodriguez is the Audience Development Manager at Future, covering fashion, beauty, and more for Marie Claire, Who What Wear US and Who What Wear UK. In addition to spearheading SEO content across brands—whether writing about wardrobe must-haves or strategizing how to make eye-catching content—she is also an avid reader with a deep love and knowledge for books of all genres. More often than not, you can find her lounging with a good book on the weekend.
-
Dua Lipa Pairs Her Snakeskin Trench With a Chanel Bag
The pop star's new rules scream loud luxury.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Refused to Abide by a 350-Year-Old Royal Tradition
She insisted on doing this one very important thing her way, according to a royal expert.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Taylor Swift Styles Gucci Sandals With a $4,000 Bag
The singer paired rich-girl accessorizes with her favored date night combo.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
The Surprising Detail About Princess Diana's Earrings You Probably Missed at Kate Middleton's Latest Appearance
The Princess of Wales wore her late-mother-in-law's pearl drops for Commonwealth Day 2025.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
7 Times the Royal Family Broke Queen Elizabeth's More Understated "Rule"
These royal women are doing it their way.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Americans Have a Surprising Favorite Member of the Royal Family, Per Latest Poll—and It Isn't Princess Kate
The rankings are wildly different than the same U.K. survey.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Inside Princess Diana's Secret Island Getaways—And How They Differed From William and Kate's
The late royal enjoyed (mostly) private vacations thanks to one man's help.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Diana's Former Lover Speaks Out on Harry and William "Rift" in Rare Interview
James Hewitt shared his thoughts on how Diana would've handled the situation.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Sarah Ferguson Reflects on Her \201cMuch Loved Sister-in-Law\201d Princess Diana in New Message
The Duchess of York opened up about Diana's legacy on Instagram.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Debuts a New Instagram Strategy in Diana-Approved Weekend Wear
The duchess soaked up some sun in a series of posts that departed from her usual content.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Diana "Destroyed" Prince Charles's Belongings During Their Doomed Honeymoon
The couple had "blazing rows" throughout their trip on the Royal Yacht Britannia.
By Kristin Contino Published