EDEN CONFIDENTIAL: Princess Diana’s confidant Paul Burrell is confused with the artist of the male nude
Stung by controversy since standing in the docks of the Old Bailey more than 20 years ago, accused of stealing £4.5 million worth of Princess Diana’s belongings (in a case that fell through), Paul Burrell could reasonably hope for a quieter life now that he has reached the age of 65.
Alas, it seems that he will be disappointed. For I can reveal that Burrell, who in recent years has proven to be a skilled watercolourist of animals and landscapes, is confused with another artist who favors an entirely different subject: the male nude.
“It was signed “Paul Burrell” – lower right, as you might imagine – and dated 2021,” I was told by an art lover who recently saw a painting in the latter very distinctive category. He adds that the buyer was convinced she had purchased a work from Diana’s former butler.
This is perhaps understandable because – disturbingly, from the perspective of the man who began his royal service as a Buckingham Palace footman – the “other” Burrell has done his homework.
The late Princess Diana pictured in London with her butler Paul Burrell in 1994
In the photo: Paul Burrell’s website, where he sells his watercolors, bears his signature
Paul Burrell signing copies of his memoir ‘Way We Were’ at Borders bookshop in Leeds
“He took over his signature,” my informant continues. “Paul” appears above “Burrell,” just as it does on Paul Burrell’s website. But of course this was done with a watercolor brush, so you can’t make a nice squiggle out of a signature.’
He describes the painting as “technically quite accomplished,” adding that it could be interpreted as an angel.
“The figure is male, with what appear to be wings, done in quite a stylized manner. The body is naked. Very, very naked.
“Front, bottom, center is a very large penis.”
Burrell’s spokesman assures me that he was not the artist responsible for this painting – or any other male nude. ‘Paul only paints landscapes,’ he explains.
That will surely come as a relief to his man, Graham Cooper. They married in 2017, a year after Burrell divorced his wife, Maria, one of Prince Philip’s former maids. At the time, Burrell coyly maintained that he was “a single man” – even though he had been having an affair with Cooper for nearly a decade by then.
Taxi for Sophie… and Liam
During the cost of living crisis, we all have to make sacrifices. And GB News star Liam Halligan was happy to share a cab with Sophie Winkleman.
The 42-year-old actress attended the Victoria & Albert Museum summer party in London with husband Lord Frederick Windsor, son of Prince Michael of Kent. When he had to go home to their two children, Sophie joined Halligan, 54, who went to a party she was also invited to. Sophie greeted the economist enthusiastically.
“I picked up Sophie on the way,” Halligan tells me.
‘Always a good idea to keep costs as low as possible.’
GB News star Liam Halligan was happy to share a taxi with Sophie Winkleman
Sophie Winkleman kisses goodbye to her husband Freddie Windsor, son of Prince Michael of Kent, during the event
Pop superstar Joe Jonas joined a cover band at a wedding for an unscheduled performance of his own hit.
The American singer and actor, 33, who is married to Game Of Thrones star Sophie Turner, took the stage at a country wedding in Dorset to sing along with local band Livewired in front of 110 guests at the reception.
Best known as part of the Jonas Brothers band, he wore a vest and kilt when he joined Livewired in performing Cake By The Ocean, one of his biggest hits with the group DNCE.
“Sophie Turner was there as the bride’s best friend,” explains Nick, the band’s bassist.
Drummer Andy Hancock says: ‘We’ve never had an international pop star at one of our gigs. He was so cool the way he reacted.’
Dame Shirley (pictured) looked like she was about to finish Diamonds Are Forever
Bassey has a big whiteout!
She became the first singer to feature on commemorative stamps earlier this year, but there was nothing static about Dame Shirley Bassey at a West London party this week.
Radiant in white, Dame Shirley (pictured) looked like she was about to belt out her hit Diamonds Are Forever.
“She eats very healthy – green and raw – and walks and moves,” says a friend of the Monaco-based 86-year-old star.
“She left London today, but she’ll be back next month.”
Long wait for Wes
He may be one of Hollywood’s most celebrated film directors, but even Wes Anderson struggles to get tickets to London’s hottest shows when he visits the capital.
The American creator of films like The Royal Tenenbaums and The Grand Budapest Hotel tells me he’s very much looking forward to the latest play by Oscar winner Sir Sam Mendes.
“I really wanted to see Sam Mendes play The Motive And The Cue, but I haven’t been able to get tickets yet,” he tells me after previewing his film, Asteroid City, at BFI Southbank. The Motive And The Cue documents Richard Burton’s relationship with John Gielgud as he directed Burton in Hamlet on Broadway.
The National Theater says it is sold out until July 1 and closes two weeks later.
TV presenter Gabby Logan’s teenage son, Reuben, has revealed that he was so embarrassed about being the only child not allowed to have a cell phone by his mother that he brought fake phones to school to hand to teachers.
Reuben, 17, who is leaving home after signing his first professional rugby contract with Northampton Saints, didn’t get a mobile until he was almost 13.
“I used to bring fake phones and hand them in,” he says on Logan’s The Mid.Point podcast. “People said, ‘Oh, you have a phone?’ “Yes, I have a phone.”
No, I did not.’
Television Chef James Martin, who owns a collection of classic cars reportedly worth around £5 million, has set his sights on a surprising new engine. ‘I really want a tractor,’ explains the Yorkshireman, who will oversee the Investec Enclosure restaurant at the Game Fair at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire next month.
“Not to plow a field,” adds Martin, who lives in Hampshire.
“I want to take him to my local pub, the Wonston Arms, with Cooper [his cocker spaniel]and park it outside.’