

- There are a lot of similarities between Meghan Markle and Princess Diana, according to Paul Burrell, Diana's former butler.
- 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.
"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
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.
March 8, 2020
The Duchess of Sussex visits the Robert Clack School for International Women's Day. Meghan is wearing a ME+EM jacket, a Cuyana T-shirt, a Rejina Pyo bag, and Jennifer Chamandi pumps.
March 7, 2020
Meghan arrives with Prince Harry at the Mountbatten Music Festival. She is wearing a Safiyaa dress, Simone Rocha earrings, and a Manolo Blahnik clutch.
March 5, 2020
Prince Harry and Meghan arrive to the Endeavour Fund Awards. The Duchess of Sussex is wearing a blue tonal look in a Victoria Beckham pencil dress, Manolo Blahnik pumps, a Jessica McCormack bracelet, and a Stella McCartney clutch.
January 7, 2020
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.
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.
November 7, 2019
The Duchess of Sussex attends the 91st Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. She wore a Sentaler coat, a Phillip Treacy hat, Tamara Mellon boots, and Dents gloves.
October 25, 2019
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.
October 22, 2019
Meghan Markle arrives to the One Young World Summit in an Aritzia dress paired with Manolo Blahnik pumps.
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.
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.
September 30, 2019
Meghan Markle steps out during a visit to Monwabisi Beach with Prince Harry. She paired her Madewell denim jacket with Brother Vellies Huarache sandals.