Diana inquest: what the butler knew (Roundup)

By Rich Bowden, M&C Staff Writer Jan 15, 2008, 11:56 GMT

01/14/2008 - Paul Burrell - Paul Burrell at the High Court in London on January 14, 2008 © Solarpix / PR Photos

(M&C) - Paul Burrell, former butler to the Princess of Wales, has given evidence before a court of inquest into the death of Diana and her consort Dodi al-Fayed.

Mr Burrell told the court he believed it was "impossible" for the princess to have been killed in a conspiracy by any member of the Royal Family and also revealed that Diana and her "soulmate" heart surgeon Dr Hasnat Khan had come close to marriage.

"The princess said he was her soulmate. She said he was the man she loved more than any other and that they were very much in love," said Mr Burrell who claimed to have been "...the hub of the wheel and everyone else was on a spoke."

Asked by Ian Burnett QC, counsel to the inquest, if there was any suggestion the couple were murdered and if any member of the Royal Family were involved, he answered, "No, I can't begin to believe that. Knowing the members of the Royal Family as I do, and knowing them so well, I think that's impossible."

Dodi's father, businessman Mohamed al-Fayed has alleged British security services killed the princess and Dodi at the behest of Prince Philip.

However Mr Burrell denied the Duke was involved and also defended the Prince of Wales against any suggestion of murder when questioned.

"No, I could not possibly see the father of her children murdering her. It was not possible. The Princess always had a great fondness for Prince Charles even after her divorce." He went on: "Prince Charles was not capable of murdering the Princess - they were cordial towards the end of her life."

The hearing continues.