The Daily Mirror tonight announced that it has acquired
exclusive world rights to former Royal butler Paul Burrell's story.
The paper paid a substantial six figure sum for the rights, and
will start publishing the revelations on Wednesday morning.
Daily Mirror Editor Piers Morgan said: "I am delighted that we
have won the most ferocious battle Fleet Street has fought this century for Mr
Burrell's extraordinary story.
"More than 400 media organisations around the world bid for this
interview, many offering substantially larger amounts of cash than us.
"However, Mr Burrell's motivation was not to make as much money
as he could, but to communicate his true feelings to the people that really
matter in this country.
"Paul Burrell was Princess Diana's closest and most trusted
confidante, her Rock.
"Cruelly accused of betraying her, he was finally released from
two years of private hell by the Queen in the most dramatic fashion
imaginable.
"His private thoughts on this very public trial and on just why
Diana trusted him so completely make this an utterly compelling story."
Paul Burrell said: "I have been offered more than £1 million for
my story but I am not interested in just making the most amount of money that I
can.
"I believe that the Daily Mirror will let me tell the true story
as it is. The Mirror is the people's paper, read by everyone from the factory
floor to the establishment.
"And their readers loved Diana, Princess of Wales because she
understood their cares and concerns and empathised with them.
"I hope people will read my interviews with the Mirror and
understand what really happened to me."
