Princess Diana Reportedly Always Wanted a Daughter

Comparisons are often made between Kate Middleton and Princess Diana. They both married the heir to the English throne—Kate to Prince William, Diana to Prince Charles. But apparently, according to Diana's former butler Paul Burrell, the two princesses diverged in at least one key way, and it's a sweet and sad look at the former royal's life.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Comparisons are often drawn between beloved princesses Kate Middleton and Princess Diana. They both married the heir to the English throne—Kate with Prince William, Diana with Prince Charles. Both of them weren't born royalty. Both are fashionable in a classic way. Both of them have been wonderful moms, and have had to transition to living their entire adult lives in the spotlight. According to Diana's former butler Paul Burrell, the two princesses' lives diverged in a key way—in the Express, Burrell explains, "Diana always wanted a girl."

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Of course, Diana only had sons, William and Prince Harry—and by all accounts, she was an incredible, doting mother. William and Harry always speak warmly of her compassion and love, and William has been reportedly trying to create the same "loving, caring, fun home" that his mother provided to them. Meanwhile, after marrying William, Kate gave birth to Princess Charlotte in 2015. The world has had a chance to watch Charlotte grow up under the watchful eye of her parents.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Burrell also had some advice for Meghan: "She needs to stay close to Harry and get to know his Granny."

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Katherine J. Igoe
Contributor

Katherine’s a Boston-based contributor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle—from “Clueless” to Everlane to news about Lizzo. She’s been a freelancer for 11 years and has had roles with Cosmopolitan and Bustle, with bylines in Parents, Seventeen, and elsewhere. It’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.