Only one royal family can ‘stand up’ against the ‘stubborn’ King Charles

Burrell, who began working as a footman at Buckingham Palace at the age of 18 before serving Princess Diana for a decade, explains his view of the king’s temperament and routines in The Royal Insider: My life with the Queen, the King and Princess Diana.

His judgment comes as other ex-staff members describe a court still defined by hierarchy, tradition and the king’s demanding personal habits.

Burrell writes: “Charles has always lived in a world where all his household and staff bow down and call him ‘Your Royal Highness.’ Now, of course, it is ‘Your Majesty.’ ‘Nobody says no. If you do that, you’re out.”

He adds, “He lives in a gilded bubble and is served whatever he wants, whenever he wants, and by whomever he wants.” According to Burrell, Camilla remains the only exception.

“The only person who can say ‘No’ is Camilla. She is and remains a non-negotiator. Perhaps her no-nonsense approach is what Charles needs,” he writes.

‘She is now the steady hand at the helm of the royal ship, whether you like it or not. She is at the helm. She rarely asks for anything, but gets everything and now has the ultimate position as queen.’