Princess Diana's Former Butler Reveals the Sweet Childhood Gesture Prince Harry Made That William "Wouldn't Have Done"
Our take

The enduring fascination with the British Royal Family, even decades after seismic events like Princess Diana’s passing, continues to captivate. Recent news focusing on Prince Harry's upcoming visit to the UK to promote the Invictus Games, and the potential for his children to accompany him, serves as a gentle reminder of the family’s ongoing evolution – and the echoes of the past that continue to shape its present. Paul Burrell's recollections of a young Prince Harry, specifically his considerate gesture towards a staff member that his brother William apparently wouldn't have replicated, offer a poignant glimpse into the contrasting personalities of the two princes. It’s a story that speaks to more than just childhood quirks; it hints at the distinct paths they’ve forged and the different ways they navigate the pressures of royal life. Considering the ongoing debate around the efficacy of cosmetic enhancements, as explored in [Does Volufiline Deliver Filler-Like Plumping or Is It All a Marketing Ploy? Beauty Experts Weigh In], we can consider how manufactured images often obscure authentic character, making these glimpses into genuine personality all the more valuable. Even a shift in personal style, like the one described in [I'm Leaving New York City Behind for Miami—3 Ways I'm Anticipating My Style Evolving], can reveal deeper truths about a person's evolving self.
Burrell's account, highlighting Harry’s generosity and sensitivity, adds another layer to the complex narrative surrounding the Duke of Sussex. While William is often perceived as the more dutiful and traditional heir, this anecdote paints Harry as possessing a certain emotional intelligence—a capacity for empathy and spontaneous kindness—that perhaps resonated more deeply with those closest to him. The contrast, as Burrell notes, isn’t necessarily a judgment of character, but rather a recognition of different temperaments. Both brothers have faced immense scrutiny and adapted to vastly different roles within the monarchy; it’s possible that the pressures of their positions have influenced their outward expressions of personality. The story also subtly underscores the inherent challenges of growing up within a rigidly structured environment like the royal family, where individuality can often be sacrificed for the sake of duty and protocol. This narrative feels particularly relevant given the current climate of shifting social expectations and the increasing emphasis on authenticity – a theme explored in detail in [When Does 'Love Island USA' Season 8 End? Everything We Know About the Finale], where genuine connection, however fleeting, seems to be paramount.
More broadly, this story speaks to the public's enduring desire to humanize the Royal Family. While they represent an institution steeped in history and tradition, there’s a persistent yearning to see them as individuals with relatable qualities – flaws, vulnerabilities, and moments of genuine humanity. Burrell’s recollections fulfill this desire, offering a peek behind the curtain of royal life and revealing the boys behind the titles. The ongoing tensions between Harry and the rest of the Royal Family, stemming from his decision to step back from his official duties, further amplify the interest in understanding his motivations and character. These seemingly small anecdotes, like the one about the childhood gesture, contribute to a larger picture, helping us to better comprehend the forces that have shaped the Duke of Sussex into the man he is today. It’s a reminder that even within the most formal and public spheres, personal connections and acts of kindness can leave a lasting impression.
Looking ahead, it's intriguing to consider how Prince Harry’s children will be raised, and what values will be emphasized in their upbringing. Will they inherit their father’s more unconventional approach, or will they adhere more closely to the traditional model exemplified by Prince William? The evolving dynamics within the Royal Family, and the choices Harry makes as a father, will undoubtedly continue to shape the institution's future and redefine our understanding of what it means to be a modern royal. Will these upcoming visits to the UK offer opportunities for reconciliation or will they highlight further divisions? The answer, it seems, may lie in the quiet gestures and unexpected moments of connection that define family, regardless of titles or traditions.
Prince Harry will soon be heading to the U.K. to mark one year until the Invictus Games in Birmingham, and the Duke of Sussex is hoping to bring his kids Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet with him, pending his ongoing security issues. But once upon a time Harry was a young boy himself, and Princess Diana’s former butler, Paul Burrell, has shared a sweet story about the royal’s childhood—and how he differs from brother Prince William.
“My fondest memory of Harry is when he used to build snowmen in the gardens of Windsor and Highgrove with my boys,” Burrell, who shares sons Alexander and Nicholas with his ex-wife, Maria Cosgrove, shares.
Speaking on behalf of Casino.org, the former butler describes Prince Harry as being “a generous and sensitive boy,” recalling that the “kind” prince used to share his wealth with the boys.


“He would like nothing better than to give my boys a ‘Pink Granny’ or a ‘Blue Granny,’” Burrell says of Prince Harry, explaining that the nicknames were what Harry called bank notes since they featured Queen Elizabeth’s image on them.
“Now you’d prefer a pink granny, because that was a £50 note and that’s what he called it—it had his Granny’s face on it,” Burrell says. “So now if anyone ever offers you a pink or a blue granny, definitely take the pink granny.”

The Royal Insider author continues that Harry “used to give out notes to my boys so they could save for a PlayStation or something. He was very kind.” However, Burrell claims that Prince Harry’s big brother, Prince William, wasn’t quite as generous as his little brother.
“William wouldn’t have done that, because William would be saving his money for something important,” he shares.
Princess Diana tried to raise her boys as equals, but as the “spare,” Prince Harry was able to get away with more than the future King. Burrell notes the differences between the two as children, sharing, “I remember Harry riding his chopper bike through the estate at Highgrove, coming down to play football with my boys, and William arriving in his model Aston Martin car. Harry would have holes in his jeans, and William would be immaculately dressed.”
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