Queen Elizabeth's Former Footman Recalls "Silliness at All Levels," From Corgi Incidents to World Leaders Behaving "Inappropriately"
Our take
The recent exclusive interview with Paul Burrell, former footman to Queen Elizabeth, shared with *Marie Claire*, offers a fascinating, if somewhat unexpected, glimpse behind the gilded curtain of the British monarchy. While Burrell is largely remembered for his later role as butler to Princess Diana, his recollections of his earlier years serving the Queen reveal a surprisingly playful and occasionally chaotic environment. His anecdotes, ranging from mischievous corgi escapades to observations of world leaders exhibiting less-than-regal behavior, humanize the institution in a way that often feels at odds with the carefully cultivated image of stoic formality. This narrative resonates particularly now, as the monarchy navigates a period of significant change and scrutiny, following the late Queen’s passing and the ongoing evolution of royal roles. It’s a stark contrast to the polished aesthetic we often see, like Princess Kate's effortless style, expertly curated with a “lazy girl styling hack” Princess Kate Uses This “Lazy Girl Styling Hack” That Anyone Can Adopt, Says Royal Style Expert – a testament to the conscious effort to maintain a relatable presence.
Burrell’s account underscores a crucial point: even within the most rigid of structures, humanity prevails. The image of a Queen, renowned for her unwavering dedication to duty, dealing with playful dogs and navigating the quirks of global dignitaries is inherently endearing. It dismantles some of the mystique surrounding the royal family, offering a more intimate and accessible portrayal. Furthermore, the timing of this revelation is noteworthy. As we’ve seen with Princess Eugenie's embrace of tradition-breaking motherhood Princess Eugenie Breaks Royal Tradition With the Birth of Her First Daughter: "Beyond in Love", the monarchy seems increasingly willing to soften its edges and connect with the public on a more personal level. Even Queen Letizia's bold fashion choices, like her recent statement red dress Queen Letizia Heats Up Summer in a Daring Red Dress, Gucci Mules and Sentimental Earrings demonstrate a move towards greater visibility and a willingness to embrace contemporary trends.
The significance of Burrell’s recollections extends beyond mere entertainment. It highlights the complex dynamic between those who serve the royal family and the institution itself. The role of a footman, and indeed all domestic staff, is one of unwavering discretion and loyalty. To now hear these personal anecdotes, even years later, speaks to a changing landscape where the boundaries of royal privacy are being subtly redefined. It’s a reminder that behind the carefully orchestrated public appearances lies a world of everyday moments, human interactions, and, yes, even a bit of silliness. This echoes a broader cultural shift toward transparency and authenticity, even within traditionally closed-off institutions. The willingness to share these stories, albeit with a degree of reflection and perhaps a touch of embellishment, suggests a desire to demystify the monarchy and connect with a public increasingly skeptical of formality and grandeur.
Ultimately, Burrell’s account leaves us pondering the future of royal storytelling. Will we see more former staff members sharing their perspectives, offering further glimpses into the inner workings of the palace? Will the monarchy continue to embrace a more open and relatable image, or will it retreat back into a more reserved and formal posture? The balance between preserving the dignity of the institution and fostering a genuine connection with the public will be a delicate one, and these evolving narratives from those who have served within its walls will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping its trajectory.
Paul Burrell is best known as Princess Diana’s former butler, but he joined the royal household as a young man in the ‘70s as a footman and later, a personal attendant for Queen Elizabeth. Having worked at Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace for more than 20 years, Burrell has seen it all, and he tells Marie Claire that “strange things happen with members of the public” whenever they encounter the royals.
Speaking on behalf of Champions Speakers Agency, Burrell says that everyone from average citizens to global leaders seemed to “go to pieces” when they came in contact with the late Queen. “Whenever they meet a member of the Royal Family, they just lose it,” he shares.
“I’ve seen that happen on so many occasions, even with foreign dignitaries and royals,” Burrell says. “Having looked after presidents and prime ministers, kings and queens coming into the royal presence, it’s unusual to see someone behave so inappropriately.”
Some of the most memorable incidents Burrell recalls include men forgetting their royal protocol, corgi problems and even Queen Elizabeth “telling off” her kids.
“I’ve seen men curtsy, not thinking as they approach the Queen, ‘I’ve got to bow.’ They drop a curtsy instead.” Burrell says. “I’ve seen corgis throw up in the hallway in front of prime ministers and kings. I’ve seen inappropriate behavior in the dining room when royal children have been told off by their mother, The Queen. I’ve seen silliness at all levels.”
At the end of the day, Burrell points out that what he remembers the most is how the royals were most often seen “behaving like families, because the Royal Family are like us in many ways—they are a family.”
He describes Prince William, Princess Anne and the rest of the family as “satellites” whose job is “revolving around the monarch.”
“And occasionally they bump into each other and cause problems and troubles,” he admits. “It’s a very unusual world to observe from the inside.”
Even though they're performing their duties on a global stage, Burrell says it's important to recognize that the royals “live in two different worlds,” and there’s a big difference between public and private personas.
“They live in their world behind closed doors, a private one, and a public one on the world stage,” he says, adding that Queen Elizabeth would come home and remove her “costume” after performing duties, put “on a skirt and a blouse, and she’s Elizabeth.”
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