Princess Diana's former butler Paul Burrell warned the Duchess of Sussex might struggle with the scrutiny she receives as a royal, just as Diana had done. Photo / AP
Princess Diana's former butler Paul Burrell warned the Duchess of Sussex might struggle with the scrutiny she receives as a royal, just as Diana had done. Photo / AP
Princess Diana's former butler has warned the Duchess of Sussex will struggle with the level of scrutiny she receives as a member of the Royal Family.
Paul Burrell, 60, told how Meghan, 36, might have longed for the fame that her position has brought but that she should "be careful what she wishes for" as "sometimes it is not all that it seems".
Mr Burrell, who served as a footman to the Queen before working for Diana, also urged Meghan to "get on with" having a baby as "time is marching on" and Prince Harry, 33, is ready to start a family, reports Daily Mail.
He predicted she the duchess, who turns 37 tomorrow, would fall pregnant in her first year of marriage.
In the interview for Yahoo News'weekly six-part series, The Royal Box, Mr Burrell also weighed in on the Royal Family's treatment of Thomas Markle, saying there is "no protocol" for dealing with in-laws but that 'somebody has to fix' the situation.
Mr Burrell (pictured) also revealed why he thought the Duchess of Sussex would soon fall pregnant. Photo / Getty Images
Finally, he explained why Diana's own words lead him to believe that Prince Charles, 69, might never be King...
On Meghan in the spotlight...
"It's interesting that Meghan has just joined the biggest soap opera in the world and she has just landed the biggest role of her life as an actress.
"I think, yes she did want to be famous, she's got everything that she wanted, but I [also] think 'be careful what you wish for' because sometimes it's not all that it seems.
"Diana found that out, at an early age. To be a royal princess sometimes, losing your anonymity, losing that freedom, that's a big ask for any woman in today's society."
On Harry and Meghan starting a family...
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will start a family within the next year, Mr Burrell predicted. Photo / AP
"I predict that Meghan will very soon have a baby... They will have a baby within the first year of their marriage. Well, she will be pregnant within the first year of their marriage.
"Time is marching on and Harry does want a family. I think there's not much time left for Meghan. She's got to get on with it. Two [children] would be enough for Harry."
On the Royal Family and Thomas Markle...
"There is no protocol for people like Thomas Markle, or in-laws, and people who marry into the Royal Family are lost at sea. They have embraced Meghan, they are keeping Meghan safe, but how about all the people in her world?
"I think they need to think about this, it's a problem. Poor Thomas Markle doesn't know how to behave, he is lost.
"I think the best thing he could do is stay quiet and try and reach out to his daughter. Somebody has to fix it. Before it gets more broken.
"Thankfully Meghan's mother has survived with dignity and style and that's the way forward."
On why Prince Charles will never be King...
All hail the King? Mr Burrell said he does not believe Prince Charles, 69, will ever ascend the throne. Photo / AP
"I don't think we will ever see King Charles and Queen Camilla on the throne of England.
"I know it's his right, I know he's heir to the throne, I know he's waited his whole life to do it [but] his own wife said: 'My husband is not fit for the top job'. Diana said that.
'I don't think he will get there. I think by the time the Queen dies - and she will live to be Queen as long as there is breath in her body - she will die aged 101, 102, or 103, maybe. Her mother was almost 102 when she died. Longevity is in the family.
'I think, for the sake of the monarchy - by the time Charles gets there, he's going to be 80 - why wouldn't he say to the Commonwealth, and the people of the United Kingdon: "I'm sure you'd much prefer a younger king and a younger queen to sit on the throne, with those beautiful children, instead of this old thing'. Let's hope he does that.
"I think William will be a great King and Catherine will be a great Queen and one day Mummy's ring [Princess Diana's engagement ring, worn by the Duchess of Cambridge] will be sat on the throne of England."
