From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Burrell performing one of many bushtucker trials in ITV's I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!, 2004.

Paul Burrell, RVM (born June 6, 1958, Grassmoor, near Chesterfield, Derbyshire) was the footman for Queen Elizabeth II and then butler for Diana, Princess of Wales.

He was tried for theft in 2002 but the trial collapsed after evidence was given that Queen Elizabeth II had spoken with him regarding the disputed events. The aftermath of the collapse of the trial led to the Burrell affair.

In 2003, he released his book, A Royal Duty, which talks about his time as butler to Diana.

In 2004, Paul became runner up in the ITV reality TV show, I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! and had to do challenges, which included eating a kangaroo's testicle. He also had a few arguments with journalist Janet Street-Porter, regarding Paul continuously talking about the British Royal Family. Paul became well known during his trial, and was disliked greatly by the British public because he used his "Royal connection" to earn money.

In 2005, he became a judge and trainer on Australian Princess. In March 2006, he appeared on Countdown in Dictionary Corner. In early 2006, Paul appeared as the actor Richard Gere on ITV's Celebrity Stars in their Eyes, singing "Razzle Dazzle" from the hit movie Chicago.

In September 2006 he appeared on Channel Five's "Trust Me - I'm A Holiday Rep" in which he spent several days as a trainee Holiday Rep in Malia, Crete. Burrell came into the show half-way through the 10 episode series as a substitute for Samantha Rowley, who quit half-way through. His many tasks as a Holiday Rep included helping to organise a wedding day and a Cretan themed evening for 100 guests. At the end of the series he was given a final assessment and was told by the Head Rep that she would not offer him a job as a Holiday Rep.

In 2007, Burrell began promoting Royal Butler wine, an “affordable luxury” brand that will sell for £6 a bottle. Burrell said at the launch: “I wouldn’t give my princess just anything and I won’t give American ladies just anything either."

Burrell is married to Maria, who used to work for Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The pair met on a cold Sunday morning at a car boot sale in Rotherham. They have two sons: Alexander and Nicholas.

• Paul's Official Site
• Official publisher web page

This English biographical article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.