Paul Burrell, Princess Diana’s former butler and confidant, has shared explosive insights about Prince Harry, reinforcing concerns many have expressed for years.
His blunt ten-word verdict—"I know from firsthand experience how difficult Harry can be"—speaks volumes, coming from someone who worked closely with the royal family. Even more telling is Burrell’s endorsement of a scathing Vanity Fair article, lending credibility to criticisms of Harry’s behavior. When someone who witnessed life behind palace walls confirms such claims, it’s hard to dismiss them.
To fully grasp the weight of Burrell’s words, it’s crucial to remember his role in Princess Diana’s life. He wasn’t just another staff member; he was her trusted confidant, the person she called her "rock." Having observed Harry’s formative years firsthand, his assessment isn’t speculation—it’s based on personal experience. Yet, in his memoir, Harry condemned Burrell, accusing him of exploiting Diana’s legacy. This accusation is ironic, considering who has truly profited from royal connections, who has sold family secrets, and who has thrown loved ones under the bus for financial gain. Spoiler alert: it’s not Paul Burrell.
Harry and William once stood united in criticizing Burrell’s book, calling it a betrayal. But now, the tables have turned. At least Burrell was willing to meet with the princes to explain himself. Meanwhile, Harry continues his attacks from across the ocean, shielded by his wife’s PR machine. This carefully crafted narrative controls every aspect of their public image, ensuring that no inconvenient truths disrupt their version of events.
Harry’s recent appearance in Vancouver for the Invictus Games, an admirable initiative he launched before becoming a mouthpiece for his wife, highlights the contrast between his past and present. Meghan, of course, showed up for the photo ops before jetting back to California to be with their rarely-seen children. The public has noticed the strange absence of recent pictures, fueling speculation. While William and Catherine balance their royal duties with raising a family, Harry and Meghan maintain an air of mystery around theirs.
Burrell also pointed out the stark reality of Harry and Meghan’s dynamic: Harry was born into privilege, and Meghan always aspired to it. Once, Harry understood that privilege came with duty. Now, he seems to prioritize luxury over responsibility. Meanwhile, William and Catherine embody true royal service. While Harry chases Hollywood relevance, William prepares for kingship. While Meghan rushes back to California, Catherine demonstrates grace and dedication, even in the face of personal challenges. King Charles and Queen Camilla, too, have handled Harry’s attacks with quiet dignity, remaining focused on their duty to the people rather than engaging in public feuds.
At 40, Harry’s trajectory is a stark contrast to his father’s at the same age. Charles was deeply involved in meaningful charitable work, whereas Harry appears trapped in a cycle of attention-seeking. William has Catherine, a supportive partner who understands royal duty, while Harry has someone who viewed the monarchy as a stepping stone to Hollywood fame. Meghan struggled with the expectations of royal life and rejected the work that comes with the title. Burrell’s comments only confirm what many have suspected—Harry has lost his way.
The man who once proudly served his country and founded the Invictus Games out of genuine compassion is now unrecognizable. Even former U.S. President Donald Trump once labeled him as “whipped,” and that assessment seems increasingly accurate. Harry’s difficulties aren’t new, but Meghan’s influence has amplified them. His once-close bond with William, forged through tragedy, has been replaced by distance and resentment.
Now, in America, Harry is little more than Meghan’s husband, his only claim to fame being his royal status—an institution he and Meghan claim to despise. They want the perks of royalty without the responsibility. The Invictus Games, originally a noble endeavor, have become yet another stage for Meghan’s carefully orchestrated appearances. She arrives, steals the spotlight, and disappears, leaving Harry to grapple with his diminishing relevance.
One of the most revealing aspects of Burrell’s comments is his willingness to confront the truth head-on, even offering to meet with the princes. In contrast, Harry and Meghan control their narrative through selective interviews and documentaries where no one can challenge their version of events. The secrecy surrounding their children only adds to the growing list of unanswered questions. William and Catherine, while protective of their children’s privacy, have always ensured that the public sees them at appropriate moments. The same cannot be said for Archie and Lilibet, who seem almost like phantom figures.
The timing of these revelations is significant. As Harry attempts to reclaim his relevance through the Invictus Games, someone who actually knew him behind palace walls is exposing the changes in his character. The pattern is clear—Harry has become difficult, he has changed, and he is no longer the man people once admired. But is anyone truly surprised? His behavior over the past few years—damning interviews, a tell-all book, and relentless attacks on his family—paint a picture of someone out of touch with reality. He demands privacy while making every effort to remain in the headlines, seemingly oblivious to the contradictions.
Meghan’s involvement follows a predictable pattern. She appears for the cameras, then disappears when the real work begins. Her brief stint as a working royal lasted less than two years, whereas Catherine has spent over a decade fulfilling her role with unwavering commitment. Harry, once a beloved prince, now seems little more than a Hollywood accessory. His transformation from military hero to PR puppet has been painful to watch.
The most frustrating aspect of this saga is how Harry and Meghan continue to portray themselves as victims while living in a multimillion-dollar mansion. They claim to seek privacy but thrive on media attention. They criticize the royal family yet cling to their titles. Their actions suggest a belief that the public cannot see through their contradictions.
As Harry makes another public appearance at the Invictus Games, hoping to recapture his former glory, even this event has been overshadowed by Meghan’s influence. What should be about the resilience of the competitors has become another Sussex branding exercise. The contrast with William and Catherine’s charitable efforts couldn’t be clearer. They work quietly, without unnecessary spectacle, focusing on their causes rather than themselves.
Through it all, King Charles has maintained his dignity. Despite the hurtful revelations in Harry’s book and the relentless attacks, he has kept the door open for reconciliation while protecting the institution he represents. That is true leadership. If Harry had taken the time to observe his father’s example instead of chasing Hollywood dreams, he might not have lost his way so completely.
Burrell’s words reinforce what many already believe—Harry has gone from being a respected royal to a troubled, lost man. And the saddest part? He has sacrificed everything for someone who appears more interested in fame and wealth than in genuine service. Once known for his charm and military service, Harry is now best recognized as Meghan’s husband. What a dramatic fall from grace.
Public perception of Harry has shifted dramatically. The British people remember the prince who served his country and founded the Invictus Games out of sincerity. Now, they see the version of Harry that Burrell describes—a difficult, changed man. And Burrell, having worked closely with Diana and known Harry as a child, isn’t just another Hollywood insider offering opinions—he’s someone who truly knew the young prince.
The difference between Harry and William has never been more obvious. William, the future king, has embraced his duty alongside Catherine, who embodies grace and service. Harry, the spare, has chosen a different path—one driven by ambition, celebrity, and controversy. It’s a real-life tale of two princes—one who accepted his role and one who lost his way.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking aspect of all this is imagining what Diana would think. Her sons were once inseparable, but now barely speak. The younger son, once dedicated to service, is now reduced to a Hollywood supporting role. Would she even recognize the man Harry has become?
This is what happens when the wrong influences take hold. Harry had everything—respect, purpose, a loving family. He let it slip away. Burrell’s comments confirm what many have feared: Harry has lost his way. Whether he ever realizes it, or whether he remains under Hollywood’s spell, only time will tell. But given everything we’ve seen—and what insiders like Burrell have revealed—it’s hard to be optimistic.
