Burrell has said that he suspects Prince Harry was attracted to Meghan at least in part because of some of the traits she shares with his late mother.
Those similarities might have put a strain on Meghan's relationship with her mother-in-law if they'd had the chance to meet, however. Burrell says he thinks the women, who are both known for their strength and independence, could have "clashed" at times.
If you see a lot of Princess Diana in Meghan Markle, you're definitely not alone. According to Diana's former butler, Paul Burrell, Meghan has a lot in common with the People's Princess—and he thinks that's probably what attracted Prince Harry to her to begin with.
"Harry went for and married Meghan because she's like Diana," Burrell reportedly said during an interview with Closer magazine. "Both women who would always stand up for what they believe in and wouldn't be pushovers."
Even though Burrell thinks Meghan and Diana are similar women, he also said those similarities could have been the cause of some issues between them, if they'd gotten the chance to meet.
"I think, possibly, they would have clashed," he said. "I imagine it would have been two strong, independent women with different views on things—it would have been a battle between Meghan's way and Diana's way."
Burrell, who worked for Diana for 10 years before her tragic death in 1997, doesn't think Meghan is a carbon copy of Diana, of course. He said he thinks Meghan was probably more media savvy going into her royal marriage than Diana was. Diana, he said, had to learn to find her voice in the media.
Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family
"I think the main difference between them is that Meghan has a game plan, whereas Diana was young and naïve," he added. "Diana did the book with Andrew Morton and courted the press over the years because she didn't have a voice. And her strong-mindedness meant she cared and she felt the people of the country had a right to know what had gone on behind closed doors."
Meghan and Harry's journey from senior royal couple to low-key LA family will be outlined in upcoming book Finding Freedom, a biography written by two of the reporters closest to the couple—Omid Scobie and Emmy-winning reporter Carolyn Durand—and based on interviews with the Sussexes' friends and associates. The book is said to portray the "real Harry and Meghan," and comes out August 11.
Meghan Markle's Most Iconic Fashion Moments
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(Image credit: Karwai Tang)
March 9, 2020
Meghan and Prince Harry attend the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey with all of the royal family. Meghan is wearing a custom Emilia Wickstead dress and carrying a Gabriela Hearst Demi bag; she's also wearing Birks earrings and Aquazzura heels.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrive at Canada House in London for their first 2020 appearance. She is seen wearing a Reiss Coat, Massimo Dutti turtleneck and skirt, and Jimmy Choo Romy pumps.
(Image credit: Chris Jackson)
November 9, 2019
Meghan steps out in a bespoke Erdem dress, her favorite Aquazzura heels, and Jessica McCormack earrings, for the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend a panel discussion on gender equality with The Queen's Commonwealth Trust. Meghan is wearing a monochromatic look in a Joseph sweater, a Hugo Boss leather skirt, Sarah Flint pumps, and Emily Mortimer stud earrings.
(Image credit: Samir Hussein)
October 22, 2019
Meghan Markle arrives to the One Young World Summit in an Aritzia dress paired with Manolo Blahnik pumps.
(Image credit: Max Mumby/Indigo)
October 15, 2019
Meghan Markle recycles her engagement dress to WellChild Awards, a charity for seriously ill children and their families. She pairs her P.A.R.O.S.H. dress with a Sentaler coat and Montunas bag.
(Image credit: Samir Hussein)
October 2, 2019
For a South African engagement to visit the Youth Employment Services in South Africa, the Duchess of Sussex steps out in Hannah Lavery shirt dress, Madewell earrings, and Stuart Weitzman pumps.
Meghan and Archie step out for Archie's first royal engagement during the tour in South Africa. She wore a Club Monaco dress and a pair of Jennifer Meyer turquoise earrings.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit District 6 Museum in Cape Town, South Africa. Meghan wore a Veronica Beard blue button-down dress and Castañer espadrilles.
(Image credit: Max Mumby/Indigo)
September 12, 2019
The Duchess Of Sussex attends the launch of the Smart Works Capsule Collection, while wearing a Misha Nonoo button-down and wearing butterfly earrings and a cuff that once belonged to Princess Diana.
(Image credit: Mike Marsland)
July 14, 2019
The Duke and Duchess walk the red carpet for the Lion King premiere in London. Meghan wears a Jason Wu dress and Nikos Koulis earrings with a Gucci clutch.
Meghan Markle steps out for her first royal appearance since giving birth. She attends the 2019 Trooping the Colour with Prince Harry in a Givenchy dress and hat by Noelle Stewart.
Prince Harry and Meghan arrive at New Zealand House in London to pay tribute to the victims of the New Zealand terrorist attacks. Meghan wears a vintage black cape, Gucci clutch and Aquazzura black cut-out pumps.
(Image credit: Max Mumby/Indigo)
March 11, 2019
Meghan wore a Victoria Beckham dress, coat, clutch, and shoes to the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey.
(Image credit: Samir Hussein)
March 11, 2019
The Duke and Duchess Of Sussex attend a Commonwealth Day youth event at Canada House. The Duchess wore a Erdem set, Givenchy clutch, Aquazzura heels, and Birks earrings.
The Duchess Of Sussex wore Dior head to toe and Birks earrings while visiting Morocco.
(Image credit: Yui Mok - PA Images)
February 24, 2019
The Duke and Duchess arrive to the "Education For All" boarding house in Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Meghan wore an Alice and Olivia blazer and Birdies slippers.
(Image credit: Pool/Samir Hussein)
February 23, 2019
The Duke and Duchess Of Sussex visit Morocco. Meghan wore a Valentino dress, a Valentino clutch, and Gianvito Rossi gloves and pumps to meet the Crown Prince of Morocco, Moulay Hassan.
The Duchess of Sussex visits Smart Works wearing Kimai earrings.
(Image credit: Jeff Spicer/BFC)
December 10, 2018
Meghan appears at the Fashion Awards at the Royal Albert Hall. The Duchess wore a Givenchy dress, Tamara Mellon heels, Pippa Small earrings and bangles.
Prince Harry and Meghan visit New Zealand; both are wearing Muck boots.
(Image credit: Pool/Samir Hussein)
October 29, 2018
Harry and Meghan visiting New Zealand during their Autumn tour Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand. Meghan opted for Adidas Stan Smith sneakers for this occasion.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their royal tour in Australia. The duchess steps out in a Reformation dress with Sarah Flint sandals.
(Image credit: Chris Jackson)
October 21, 2018
Meghan spotted wearing Veja sneakers during day two the Invictus Games in Sydney, Australia.
(Image credit: Samir Hussein)
October 21, 2018
Meghan Markle attended a reception hosted by the Prime Minister of Australia at The Pavilion Restaurant, wearing White Blazer, Oroton bag, and Aquazzura pumps.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended a gala performance of "Hamilton". The Duchess wore Judith & Charles Blazer dress, Paul Andrew pumps, and Shaun Leane earrings.
(Image credit: Chris Jackson)
July 26, 2018
Meghan Markle wore a Carolina Herrera denim wrap dress, Birks earrings, J Crew bag, and Aquazzura pumps to the Sentebale Polo in 2018.
The Duchess and Duke of Sussex with the Queen at the Queen's Young Leaders Awards Ceremony wearing Prada top and skirt and Aquazzura pumps.
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Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
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