Princess Diana's former butler Paul Burrell to marry his boyfriend after coming out as gay

Former royal butler Paul Burrell is to marry his boyfriend next month, less than a year after divorcing his wife of 32 years, it has been reported.

Mr Burrell, 58, who worked for the late Diana, Princess of Wales, and was known as her "rock", is due to wed his partner Graham Cooper, a lawyer, next month. He formally split from his ex-wife Maria last year, although reports suggested they had been living apart for a number of years.

A statement at the time said it was a "mutual" decision. They had first met when working at Buckingham Palace together.

Until now the former butler has not publicly spoken about his sexuality.

He and Mr Cooper, also 58, are said to be planning a circus-themed ceremony in the Lake District next month before a small number of guests. 

A spokesman for Mr Burrell told the Sun: "I can confirm their forthcoming marriage.”