Paul Burrell's special talk for Wirral Mayor charity appeal

The 66-year-old - former butler to the late Diana, Princess of Wales and Queen Elizabeth II - also signed copies of his multi-million-selling book A Royal Duty during the ladies lunch was at Hillbark Hotel in Frankby on Wednesday (October 2).

Proceeds from the event will go to The Mayor’s Charity Appeal, which is raising funds for IncuBabies and UK North Blind Sailing Association.  

On his visit to Hillbark, Chester-based Mr Burrell told the Globe: "It was a privilege to have been asked along to help raise funds for the Mayor's charity and great fun.

"I live in Chester and never knew this place existed. It's a little treasure that I've only just discovered what a spectacular establishment it is.

"I will be back."

Former Royal Butler Paul Burrell with (left to right) mayor of Wirral Cherry Povall JP, event organisers Mandy Molby and Karina Molby and Hillbark's general manager Amanda Jane Arends during the event on Wednesday, October 2 (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest) A Royal Duty , originally published in 2003, charts his time with Princess Diana, who died following a crash in Paris on August 31, 1997.

The book is now used to help promote Diana's legacy to new generations.

Mr Burrell explained: "The book sold 2m copies around the world and was number one in The New York Times best-sellers list and, at the time, was number one on the best-sellers list in England.

"This is my story, written 20 years ago actually, of my time with Princess Diana. Time's moved on since then and we've all grown up and gone through the loss of the dear, late queen and are now in different age with the Carolean court of Charles III.

"Times have changed; we've all changed, but the monarchy has to stay the same. I'm a monarchist and I want the monarchy to survive.

"I am very confident that the monarchy will survive because we have William and Catherine waiting in the wings. I have to be honest, though, because I don't think the reign of King Charles will be a very long one and I do believe that William and Kate are preparing themselves for the day when they become our King and Queen.

"As time's moved on, I think our country will look forward to having a young King and Queen on the throne with a young family. It will give us more to focus on."

"Whenever I talk about Diana, I'm talking to another generation usually, of people who never knew her, weren't there and and don't understand who she was or what she was about.

"Diana's colours are nailed to my mast, they always will be for the rest of my days. My responsibility to her - and to William and to Harry - is to represent her in a fitting way and tell you who she was, why she fought hard for so long for what she had and the legacy she leaves behind."

Former Royal Butler Paul Burrell signs copy of his book during a special event at Hillbark Hotel in aid of the Mayor's charity appeal on Wednesday, October 2 (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest) Paying tribute to Diana, Mr Burrell added: "She was the first Royal who did things differently and shaped the future for the ones that would come after, like Catherine and Megan."

On the career path and fame since Diana's death - which has included appearing as a contestant on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here -  he reflected: "I never asked for this. I was stood there when Diana died and suddenly found myself in the spotlight. In the early days, I felt I was looking after her legacy and memory.

"I soon realised fame is a double-edged sword and the fact that being a known face is sometimes complimentary, sometimes not.

"I have to admit I'm a little bit Marmite; there are people who don't quite understand what I'm about and those who get it and do."

On plans for the future, Mr Burrell said: "It's going to be a very interesting year next year; there are things in the pipeline already - I can't say much more as they are the subjects of non-disclosure agreements - but you will see a lot me next year."

The day was organised by Mandy Molby, who told the Globe: "It was a fantastic day. Hillbark really is a magical venue intimate and beautiful food was 5star restaurant quality.

"Everyone said Paul feels like a friend now - he didn’t leave till 6.30pm and said he cannot wait to come back."

Amanda Jane Arrends, Hillbark’s general manager, said: "I’d like to thank Paul Burrell for his spectacular honest talk, Mandy and Karina Molby and everyone who attended the event and donated to the mayor's charity fund.

"The talk was phenomenal he’s an amazing guy and coming back to dine."