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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Katie Weston

Paul Burrell says 'bittersweet' Coronation will feature particularly tough moment

Paul Burrell has opened up about how the Coronation will be "bittersweet" for him - but a "special moment" for the country.

The former royal butler revealed his plans to attend the historic event in person, saying he will be "suited and booted" along the procession route on May 6.

He said the appearance will be "difficult" due to the absence of the late Princess Diana, who he served for 10 years until her death in 1997.

The ex-aide will also be thinking of the late Queen, who helped to "shape him" from a young age and "made him the man" he is today.

The former royal butler the appearance will be "difficult" due to the absence of the late Princess Diana (Rex Features)

Speaking on behalf of Spin Genie, Mr Burrell said: "I am looking forward to it, I’m a monarchist, I believe in the royal family and I will be down in London to witness it personally.

"The public always make a beeline for me: it’s always been good but it will be difficult for me to be suited and booted on The Mall or in front of the palace. People do realise that now, 25 years later.

"I protected the Princess [Diana] and looked after her, her colours are nailed to my mast and they always will be. The Coronation for me is going to be a bittersweet moment but it will be a special moment for our country.

"Princess Diana will be there in spirit because William and Harry will be there and her grandchildren will be there."

Princess Diana with Mr Burrell in 1994 (UK Press via Getty Images)
Mr Burrell attending Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018 (GC Images)

Mr Burrell also said he looks forward to seeing the Gold State Coach, which will take King Charles and Camilla on their return journey to Buckingham Palace.

He continued: "What it is about is our nation, our monarchy unifies the people and the country. We’re celebrating Great Britain and the United Kingdom by watching the Coronation because Charles is our monarch and [Camilla] is our Queen.

"I for one will be thrilled to see the coronation coach come out again. The last time I saw it was in 1977 for the Silver Jubilee at the palace.

"I remember [Queen Elizabeth II] coming back to the palace and saying ‘that’s the most uncomfortable ride I have ever had, I forgot how uncomfortable it was the first time, it’s just as uncomfortable the second time’.

The Gold State Coach pictured during Platinum Jubilee celebrations last June (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

"It’s not sprung very well, it’s a very hard ride. Going down The Mall, as I have been many times on a carriage, the surface of The Mall is very smooth so it gives you a smooth ride but the coronation coach is a tough old beast. It wasn’t built for comfort, it was built for show.

"I will be there and I will be proud. I will be thinking of the late Queen too.

"A lot of my life was spent with her and she shaped me in the beginning when I was 18-years-old and I have a great debt that I still owe her because she saved me and she made me the man I am."

Mr Burrell's comments come amid his appearance on a pre-recorded series of a I'm A Celebrity South Africa, which kicked off last night with all nine contestants set terrifying challenges on their way into camp.

Ahead of arriving, he said in his interview: "Most people will know me for being a footman to Her Majesty and butler to Diana, Princess of Wales."

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