'Lay Off Kate Middleton': Ex-Butler Warns Prince Harry to Back Off Princess of Wales and Prince William Amid Mounting Drama
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The Duke of Sussex was warned to 'lay off' the Princess of Wales.
Paul Burrell, 66, the former butler to Princess Diana, has publicly urged Prince Harry, 40, to stop criticizing Kate, Princess of Wales, 42, amid ongoing tensions within the royal family.
Burrell's comments come after the release of Harry’s memoir, Spare, which contained pointed remarks about his relationship with his brother, Prince William, 42, and sister-in-law.
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Catherine, Princess of Wales, battled an undisclosed type of cancer throughout most of 2024.
Speaking to an outlet, Burrell expressed disappointment in Harry’s approach, particularly his perceived targeting of Kate, who is recovering from successful chemotherapy treatments.
"Kate has done nothing wrong," Burrell said. "She's always been loyal to the crown and has supported her husband through thick and thin. Harry needs to lay off her because she has been a pillar of strength for the royal family."
The former royal insider emphasized Kate's role as a stabilizing force within the monarchy, particularly during turbulent times following Queen Elizabeth II's death and King Charles III's accession.
"She is the glue holding everything together," he added. "Her grace, poise, and commitment to duty are unmatched. To attack her is not only unfair but also unnecessary."
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Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have not spoken in over two years, according to reports.
Burrell's comments follow Harry’s claims in his book that Kate was "cold and unwelcoming" toward Meghan Markle, 43, during their early interactions. He also described awkward tensions between Meghan and Kate over a bridesmaid dress fitting, an incident widely reported in the media during the spring of 2018.
Royal commentator Angela Levin echoed Burrell’s concerns, calling Kate a "scapegoat" in the feud.
"Kate has kept her head down and done her work quietly, without responding to any of the accusations," the author explained. "For Harry to bring her into this ongoing saga feels unjustified."
Fans of the Princess of Wales have also rallied to the future queen's defense. Social media platforms have been flooded with supportive messages praising Kate’s composure and ability to remain stoic and poised during "unwarranted" negative comments.
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Paul Burrell (right) watched Princes William and Harry grow up.
"Kate represents everything a modern royal should be: dignified, hardworking, and focused on causes that matter," one X commenter wrote.
Another shared, "Harry’s constant attacks on her feel out of line."
Burrell also hinted at how Princess Diana might have reacted to the current situation. "Diana adored her boys, and she would never have wanted to see this level of animosity between them," he continued. "She would have loved Kate for the way she supports William and their children."
As the rift between Harry and the rest of the royal family shows no signs of easing, Burrell’s plea for reconciliation highlights the public’s growing fatigue with the ongoing tensions. "Families fight, but they also heal," the former royal aide concluded. "It's time for Harry to step back and leave Kate out of this feud."
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The Princess of Wales 'realizes it is impossible to end William and Harry's rift.'
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Geo News reported on Burrell's remarks.