A Royal Duty

Rating:
Summary: I couldn't put it down!
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It gave me a great insider view of life in the British Monarchy. Not only did it open my eyes to that lifestyle, it allowed me to better understand the princess and what she did. It made me feel close to her and the boys. I admire how dedicated Paul was, maybe it was a bit odd, but who isn't these days?

Rating:
Summary: an outsiders look behind closed doors
Review: This book was so well written that I felt that I was the princess' confidant.I was finally able to gain some understanding of how life is really like within the brittish monarchy in general and through her eyes.I couldnt put the book down and I now have a greater respect for her as a humanitarian,mother and human being.

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Summary: The Butler knew!
Review: Notwithstanding what one makes of the actual content of this book - was Paul Burrell in love with Diana or whatever [who cares?] - this book forms an excellent source for knowledge on life within Diana's world and the royal family. Future generations of scholars will consult these pages as reference into that world. Like Queen Victoria's Mr. Browne, Paul Burrell was the savant who was treated like a friend and had access to information, correspondence and the day to day life of Diana. Burrell writes of the intrigue which brought him into court and the charges which were so dramatically dismissed. His descriptions of Diana's personal struggle is first hand, everyday information that I have not read of elsewhere - no matter what one makes of her struggle. For readers who want this type of information, whether for personal reasons or for the actual historic record, then this book is wonderful. It will be on the shelves of royal scholars and the merely curious for a long time.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: This book really sheds no new light on Princess Diana. Instead, it illustrates what a complete nut her butler was! He comes across as emotionally disturbed, whiney and spineless and if even half of what he says in his book is accurate, I'm simply amazed that his family (especially his wife) stands by him. Wow. What a disappointment. I could barely finish the book and now can't wait to get rid of it.

Rating:
Summary: I'll be shot down in flames, but...
Review: ...I think the author comes across as a complete fruitcake. He is so openly and obviously in love with Diana that it becomes almost nauseating towards the end of the book. Seriously, if you were married to this man, would you have been thrilled about him spending close to 20 hours a day with one of the most beautiful women in the world, to the cost and detriment of your OWN family? Would you be happy about him taking 2 hour daily phone calls from her while you were supposed to be on holiday? Would you be thrilled that he "refuses to let go" almost 7 years after her death? Does all this not strike you as ODD? And let's face it, the picture he unwittingly paints of Diana is that of a manipulative, highly-strung, childish woman who "froze people out" if they did not bend to her every demand, who wouldn't talk to someone for months on end for some small thing he or she may have done, who's idea of a loving gift was a signed photograph of herself or a pile of cast-off clothes, who was completely reliant on her butler for "friendship" and for being able to function from day to day? HUH? Weird weird weird... Is it any wonder her household had such a high staff turnover... I was a fan of Diana's before I read this book. Not any more.

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Summary: A Reader from Clermont, FL
Review: I could not put this book down. I was fascinated with Paul's description of what life was like in the royal palaces and his insights of the royal families. I felt as if I were there unseen looking over his shoulder. I would love to have a friend and confidant such as Paul.

Rating:
Summary: Un-Put-Downable!
Review: I wanted this book to go on and on. Paul Burrell has led a fascinating life, and he reveals not only wonderful insights of Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, and Diana's family, but really interesting detail on his own life with them. One thing -- Paul's wife Maria must be a saint! Paul seems increasingly obsessive about Diana in the book; I can imagine what it would have been like living with him! Gone 18+ hours a day, running to Diana in the middle of the night if she "needed" him, hugging her while she cried -- gag me! As much as I admired Princess Diana, I'm surprised Maria didn't murder her before Charles (or whoever) had a chance to. Except that she's too good a person. Even now that Diana's gone, Paul still seems unable to move on, and worships her memory. Something's a little "off" there, but the book is really a good read. Check it out!!

Rating:
Summary: An Interesting Read!
Review: Couldn't put the book down! Paul brings us just enough into the lives of the Royals to show us their "humanity" without being invasive. Most of what is written is already common knowledge. Paul just seems to straighten the stories and rumors out a bit! Many thanks to Paul (wherever he may be) for taking the risk to write about the late Princess Diana (my all time favorite) and for putting the Queen of England in a new light. The book has left me with a new found respect for the Queen and members of the Royal Family.

Rating:
Summary: A Royal Duty
Review: I have a lot of the books that are out on Princess Diana and I have to say that this is my favorite so far. I had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone a fan or not of hers. If nothing else, it lets you see the truth about Princess Diana and everyone else in the Royal Family. Paul takes you through his career from working for the Queen, then moving to onto working for both Prince Charles and Princess Diana right down to working for Diana alone. How it effected him and his family. Paul also takes you inside the life of The Queen and her family. I finally was able to hear some positive things about Princess Diana and the Queen and the fact that they really did get along. The book shows the kind of friendship she had with all walks of life and how she viewed life in general. After reading this book you may feel like you have gotten to know Princess Diana and the family a little better. You may even feel a tighter bond with her. If you happen to think she was a bad person, after reading this book I am sure you will see things differently. I am sure you will see what kind of down to earth person she was and how much she would do for people and how little she asked for in return.

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Summary: Inside the Glamourous Shadows of KP and BP
Review: Royal butler Paul Burrell takes us into the glamorous shadows of Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace (BP and KP, as he calls them) and explains royal life from both sides of the throne. As fascinating as it is to learn of the daily intimacies that the Princess and Burrell shared, it is equally fascinating to learn of the protocol the royal servant had to endure in his early days. I read with great interest of how Paul and Maria were the first pair of royal servants to be allowed to get married, and how servants were supposed to be out of sight as much as possible, to the extent that they would hide in closets to avoid being seen by any member of the royal family as they were walking by. I read for the first time about the grace and favour apartments, how servants were requested not to look the royals in the eye, and how anyone who is not a HRH is required to courtsey or bow to those that are HRHs. I loved learning about all of the politics that go on "downstairs" and what all of the elaborate titles, such as Master of the Purse meant. I was also intrigued by the different dinner rooms they have at BP for different levels of servants. Absolutely fascinating. I loved hearing not only Diana's story being told in a fresh and informative light but also hearing Paul's story as well. I think it is a double treat to read about not only the life of Princess Diana but also a servant who rose from being a hotel assistant manager to the Royal Butler of not only Princess Diana, but also Queen Elizabeth. Burrell endured so much and made so many sacrifices to rise to the position of Royal Butler to Princess Diana, and it is absolutely fascinating to read about the Royal Family accusing him of stealing her records and other things, after all he did for Diana. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time and I am the better for having read it. I strongly recommend you read it too.