NOT surprisingly, when the Daily Mirror printed the exclusive story of Paul Burrell's life as Diana's butler, rival publications were quick to print denunciations of him cashing in on Diana's memory.

For the sons of Diana, Princes William and Harry, the revelations by Paul Burrell in a national newspaper represent the 'ultimate betrayal'.

Their uncle, Earl Spencer, who denounced the tabloid press in a eulogy at Diana's funeral in 1997, said the sale of the story proved that far from being Diana's 'rock', the butler had betrayed her memory.

He said it proved "the only people who have been loyal to Diana are her family".

Home Secretary David Blunkett has also been critical of Burrell's decision.

He said: "It was only a week or so ago, when it all had to remain totally private and he wasn't allowed to tell anybody to protect everybody and well, suddenly, he has some expensive legal bills.

"I'm not judging anybody but I'm saying you have to make a judgment as to whether you retain any kind of privacy in your life and some people have given up on it."

Yesterday, sources at Buckingham Palace cast doubt on the validity of what Burrell was saying, pointing out even Tony Blair only got an hour with the Queen, whereas the Butler claimed to have had a three-hour conversation.

And Princess Diana's former bodyguard said that Paul Burrell's account of his private meeting with the Queen sounded like "a best-selling work of fiction".

Former Scotland Yard protection officer Ken Wharfe said: "I seriously question, from my experience, that the Queen would entertain Burrell for three hours on a matter that at best would take 15 minutes to discuss."