Paul Burrel, former butler to Princess Diana, has spoken out about a letter she wrote him in 1996, the year before she died, where she said she wished she could hug the Queen, and stated her support for the monarchy.
Her son Prince Harry had a bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey alongside his wife Meghan Markle, where they claimed the Palace refused to help Meghan when she was suicidal.
They also said a member of the family expressed "concerns" over Archie's skin colour and that Prince Charles, Harry's father, was no longer returning his calls.
The interview led to a discussion on Good Morning Britain as to whether the monarchy still has a place in British society - and Paul said Diana thought so.
"People are always asking me, 'What would Diana think, what would Diana say?'" he said.
"It is relevant to say Diana would have one arm around William and one arm around Harry, she would want them both to be happy.
"She wouldn't want them to be divided, she would want them to stand together, and Diana was a monarchist, she believed in the monarchy.
"And she wrote a letter to me the year before she died, and in it she said, 'I just long to hug my mother-in-law and tell her how deeply I understand what goes on inside her.'
"She also said, 'I so want the monarchy to survive, and the monarchy must survive because it's very important to our country, it underpins who we are'."
A statement issued by Buckingham Palace on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen said of the Oprah interview: "The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan.
"The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. Whilst some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.
"Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members."
A senior palace source added: "At the heart of all of this there is a family. They should be given the opportunity to discuss the issues raised privately, as a family.
"It has been important for us to carefully consider any response before issuing; and of course releasing something today meant viewers in the UK had the opportunity to watch the interview, if they wished to, first.
"Diversity, equality, inclusion and mental health are important issues and highlighting that has formed part of the work of Members of the Royal Family for many years."
