The Way We Were: Remembering Diana

by Paul Burrell

Book Overview

Paul Burrell served Diana, Princess of Wales, as her faithful butler from 1987 until her death in 1997. He was much more than an employee: he was her right-hand man, confidant and friend. She described him as 'the only man she ever trusted.' As the world prepares for the official inquest into her death, The Way We Were marks an intense period of reflection by ensuring the spirit, warmth and character of the person at the centre of proceedings is not...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061138959
• ISBN13: 9780061138959
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

I want a Butler like this.......

If I read only this book and then someone gave me a pop quiz on Dianas' life I would make a 100. My favorite by far of any book I have read about Diana. Someone was wondering why the author would even mention the incident in the garden. He says in the book that Diana herself said, that the way the Rumor mill worked in her life SOMEONE would surely claim at some point in time that it was HER baby. He wanted to tell the world this was NOT the case. He straightens out other rumors which have surfaced since the last book as well. This man is still protecting Diana and I adore him for it.{I WANT a loyal Butler Manservant guy......} He mentions the photos are likely to be the ONLY ones to capture how she really lived her daily life .The Royals made museums out of the OTHER royals residences' who have passed, but tore through Dianas' place like it was just the home of a "tenant" who has come and gone. Ripping everything out, down to the electrical sockets. Um.........how touching. And Royal. I think all things considered Diana would have definitely preferred having pictures of how she left her desk preserved for all eternity....{since I guess it was too much to ask of the Royal family to have preserved the ACTUAL desk } and in exchange a few secrets be told. She was after all the Mother to the future King of England................I think there are a few people who might be remotely interested in where she sat as she composed letters to her son......... This book was wonderful and although it gives details of her life...it is not in a disrespectful way that would betray her memory. He refers often to how she laughed a LOT and her laughter would carry throughout the house. For anyone who loved Diana you will be at peace to hear how beautifully and graciously she lived her daily life, and that she did indeed have one true friend who protects her to this day. It is a wonderful read , do not miss it. I have to admit though , there are probably more than a few people who will NOT be happy to hear what Diana really thought of them. If I take issue with anything, it is with the fact that she worked so hard to be gracious to everyone, even if she loathed them, and now a few people are going to learn what she really thought. THAT might cause her to reach down from Heaven and smack Paul....but overall it is simply a wonderful book!

A Welcome Addition to the Literature of Diana

Despite some other Diana book authors (I shall not name them here) who bashed and trashed the late Princess of Wales and are now shedding crocodile tears over Burrell's book (the effect on the "poor boys" when they themselves labeled Diana a "neurotic", or "damaged" or worse), I find Burrell's book an excellent choice for fans of the late Princess. It describes the Princess as a woman with a wicked sense of humor, a devoted friend, and someone who must have been very interesting to work for. She comes across as an excellent mother devoted to William and Harry whose pictures appeared throughout Diana's royal apartments during her lifetime. Diana's devotion to Hasnet Khan is detailed here as well; Burrell maintains that her relationship with Dodi Fayed would have broken up eventually had it run its course. I see nothing objectionable in this book, Burrell offers interesting insights into the late Princess. This is a must read for fans of Princess Diana. The photographs included are marvelous--there is a very touching picture of Diana and Mother Theresa among them.

You have to read this book

Paul Burrell did an excellent job on this book. I laughed and cried reading it. It's so full of emotion. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get a real since of what it was like taking care of the "Boss" . The pictures are beautiful, and you can certainly get a feel of how it was to actually live in KP apt's 8 & 9. Paul, thank you for sharing and enlightening me on how Diana was treated by the Spencers, the Royal Family and friends. I would have never known what she went through without you. You were a true friend to her and to those who think he should not have written this book, that somehow it may have been an invasion of her privacy or whatever, believe me when I tell you that this book is the most Precious Memorial anyone has done for her. He knew what a privilege it was just knowing her and getting to be that close to her. From the beginning to the end, he had her best intentions at heart always!! Get this book you will be so glad you did.

Warm and loving memories of a friend

I loved this book and think anybody who read Royal Duty and liked it will really like this too. This guy knew Diana better than many who want to write about her. He was closer to her and you can tell that. I dont' trust half of what I read about her. But when he talks about going back to her apartments years after her death to find the place ripped apart and tells you about his life and work with her there, you can feel his pain and frustration. When he talks about the way the royal family has honored the Queen Mum and Princess Margaret by turning their homes into museums, but hasn't done that for Diana, you can really see what he's doing -- he wants us to remember the special things about her, her compassion, the ways she was still growing into her own even in the summer before she died. There are lots of scenes that ring completely true and are really unforgetable -- she and Burrell dig a grave for a stillborn child in Diana's garden in a solemn, very sad but loving and intimate little ceremony with the child's parents. And Burrell helps her sort out her romance with Dr. Kahn -- what could be a better example of what close friends do for each other?? -- and the way that story ends, with her breaking it up after two years, and Burrell's last visit with Kahn after her death -- is just heartbreaking. And there's very interesting stuff about the books and philosophy she was reading that helped her cope. If you like books, you'll find that very cool. This guy knew Diana like no other and if you're interested in her, you have to read this book. It's different than Royal Duty, but well worth it. It's a story about love -- Burrell's friendship and admiration for her. And her love for Kahn, a man of dignity and integrity, who she couldn't have because of who she was.