The royal family would simply “collapse” without Kate Middleton, according to the late Princess Diana’s former butler, who adds that the future “rests on her.”
Paul Burrell, who worked for Diana for over 10 years until her sudden death in 1997, believes that everything relating to the royals is “pinned up” by the new Princess of Wales.
“Kate is in such an incredible position because it all rests on her really, the future rests on Kate and that’s an enormous responsibility because if she decided that she didn’t want to be a part of her marriage anymore then I think the royal family would collapse,” Burrell told The Mirror.
“Everything is pinned up by Kate, the future is underpinned by Catherine Middleton and that’s incredible.”
Burrell drew comparisons between Middleton and her late mother-in-law, saying the pair share similarities.
“Back in my day, the future seemed to be pinned on Diana Spencer, our future queen,” Burrell explained.
“Now we’re looking at another Princess of Wales who is in the same role that Diana had, married to a Prince of Wales and the future of the monarchy is down to her.”
“It’s not an enviable position to be in,” he added.
Burrell recently gave his take on the King’s upcoming coronation, saying he thinks Prince Harry will make the trip “alone” as his wife, Meghan Markle, won’t be “brave or strong enough.”
The expert said that the King has “retained the moral high ground” by inviting the exiled royals to the May 6 coronation.
“It’s likely to be incredibly uncomfortable for them if they attend, particularly Meghan,” the 64-year-old told Closer Magazine. “Are they prepared to face the music?”
“I don’t think Meghan’s brave or strong enough to be there — she’d have to look in the eyes of a family she’s pushed under the bus,” he continued.
“But I think Harry may come alone and she’s probably told him she won’t be able to be by his side with him if he does attend.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex — who recently received their invitations to the May ceremony — are still mulling over whether they will make the 5,459-mile trip to the UK.
Burrell noted that ultimately, “the ball is well and truly in Harry and Meghan’s court,” adding that it will be difficult for Harry to see Queen Consort Camilla “where his mother could have been.”