
Buckingham Palace is one of the most famous buildings in the world. Full of chandeliers and massive rooms, the 775-room Palace is associated with being the heart of the monarchy, even if a monarch does not currently live there.
While many tourists visit the Palace each year, few know everything that goes on behind closed doors, especially when it comes to the lives of the staff who call the Palace home. However, one man who does know is former royal butler, Paul Burrell.
Before serving as Diana, Princess of Wales' butler for a decade before her death, he served the late Queen Elizabeth II.
This role saw him spend a considerable amount of time at Buckingham Palace, and he has gained a wealth of insight into what the palace was really like from a staff perspective.
Mr Burrell even revealed in his new book that the iconic royal home was nicknamed "Gin Palace" by staff, as the spirit would always be a drink of choice there.
Writing in his new book The Royal Insider: My Life with the Queen, the King and Princess Diana, Burrell said: "Forget Buckingham Palace, it was nicknamed 'Gin Palace' after the spirit that flowed freely through the everyday workings of the building.
"Gin, always, Gordon's, was the drink of choice."
He continued: "I would be ordered by senior members of staff to empty a screw-topped tonic water bottle each night and fill it with gin for them to use for parties in their rooms.
"These parties were for a select group of staff. There was a hierarchy downstairs as well as upstairs. Certain cliques of servants, depending on your rank and length of service, were invited to the soirees."
Paul Burrell has shared more revelations in his book, which was released just weeks ago.
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