Graham Burrell, the brother of former royal butler Paul Burrell, has been arrested in connection with the same police inquiry involving Paul, who is currently charged with three counts of stealing items from Princess Diana, the Prince of Wales and their sons.
Graham, a 35-year-old former miner, is alleged to have been involved in a plan to sell on the American market some of the 342 items, estimated to be worth £6 million, taken from Kensington Palace after Diana’s death. The FBI are understood to have assisted Scotland Yard in its enquiries in the United States.
Another man, believed to be related to Graham, has also been arrested. Both were taken to a local police station for questioning. They were later released on bail and must appear at a central London police station at the end of next month.
The two brothers are said to be extremely close. They went on holiday together to Florida the day after Paul was charged, and Graham was at his sibling’s side when Paul, whom the late Princess Diana famously described as “my rock”, made his first appearance in court in connection with the case.
At the time Graham said: “Paul is in a thousand pieces. They don’t come more decent than him. He’s prided himself on being true to Diana and this is how he’s rewarded.”He added: “Anyone who spends ten years as a virtual brother to someone will hardly have a home empty of sentimental and personal possessions. Diana was Paul’s life for so long, she trusted him more than anyone. She might have been a giver, but he’s not a taker.”
Speaking from the family home in Farndon, Cheshire, on Wednesday, the former butler’s wife, Maria, said: “There is very little I can say because it might affect Paul’s case. It has come as a complete shock and we are all very upset.” Her husband was first arrested last January when police removed property from the home they share with their sons, 16-year-old Alexander and Nicholas, 13.
Paul, 43, is scheduled to appear at Bow Street Magistrates’ Court on Friday in connection with the charges of theft. He has denied the allegations, maintaining that the items were gifts from the Princess.
The decision to press charges against Princess Diana’s former butler was only made after lengthy deliberation of the wider implication of doing so, including the possibility of Charles and William having to give evidence. Although it is possible that the defence may try to call the Princes as witnesses, legal sources say this is “very unlikely”.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
