While he awaits trial, former royal butler Paul Burrell is wasting no time in finding alternative employment. The 42-year-old, who was described by his employer Princess Diana as “my rock”, and was charged with stealing 342 items from the Waleses over the summer, is planning to sell flowers in a village close to his Cheshire roots.
According to a resident of the Welsh hamlet of Holt, just over the River Dee from Paul’s hometown of Farndon, the one-time royal retainer has been on a floristry course and is now negotiating a lease on a former butcher’s shop where he will ply his wares. “It will be good for trade,” said the Holt postmaster. “Anything which brings business to the village is good.”
Burrell’s trial is expected to be held at the beginning of next year. The late princess’ mother, Frances Shand-Kydd, and her close friends Lucia Flecha de Lima and Rosa Monckton are expected to give evidence for the prosecution. But, according to a royal source, there is also a “very strong” possibility that Diana’s eldest son Prince William will be obliged to take the witness stand.
No senior member of the Royal family has appeared in court since 1891, when the then Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, gave evidence in a civil case of slander over a game of cards.
Paul Burrell has been on a floristry course and is looking to open a flower shop in a tiny Welsh village
Paul is expected to go on trial for theft at the beginning of next year. There is a possibility that Prince William will be called to give evidence
