Princess Diana received unexpected support from Princess Michael of Kent after being stripped of her HRH title during her divorce from King Charles, according to former royal butler Paul Burrell. Diana was 'devastated' by the loss of the title, which she felt diminished her royal identity, Burrell said. However, a letter from Princess Michael of Kent provided a much-needed morale boost.
Letter of Support
Burrell revealed that Princess Michael wrote a 'sincere letter' to Diana, expressing her horror at learning Diana would be expected to curtsy to her in public after losing the title. The letter read: 'I was horrified to learn in the press that after your title was removed, you would be expected to curtsy in public when meeting me. I insist that this would cause me the greatest embarrassment, so please do not even consider it.' Princess Michael also praised Diana's 'courage and strength,' adding, 'You will always have my support.'
Impact on Diana
The note gave Diana a significant emotional boost during a difficult time, according to Burrell. Diana, who would have turned 65 on July 1, died in a car crash in Paris in August 1997. She was laid to rest on an island in the Round Oval lake at the Althorp Estate, where she lived from her parents' divorce until her marriage to Charles.
Prince Harry's Planned Visit
Prince Harry had planned to bring his children, Prince Archie (7) and Princess Lilibet (5), to visit Diana's grave for the first time this month. However, recent reports indicate that Harry's request for taxpayer-funded police security during the trip has been denied, potentially jeopardizing the visit. The Duke of Sussex has been in a legal dispute with the Home Office over security arrangements since stepping down as a working royal in 2020. Security concerns have prevented Harry from bringing his children to the UK for four years; they last saw King Charles during Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.
