EPHRAIM HARDCASTLE: Princess Diana’s first private secretary Oliver Everett dies aged 80… Taking the reasons for his falling-out with the Princess of Wales to his grave

Princess Diana‘s first private secretary Oliver Everett, who has died aged 80, has taken to his grave the reasons for his monumental falling-out with, and subsequent dismissal by, the Princess of Wales. Oliver had struggled to deal with Diana’s increasing paranoia over Camilla Parker-Bowles. 

Despite his sympathy, he increasingly became a non-person and was sacked by her in 1983. All he would say was that he had been ‘frozen out’. 

Courtiers suspected that Diana felt he was too close to Charles, as he had been the Prince’s assistant private secretary from 1978 to 1980. 

As a consolation prize the sympathetic Queen Elizabeth put him in charge of the Royal Library.

Princess Diana’s first private secretary Oliver Everett, who has died aged 80, has taken to his grave the reasons for his monumental falling-out with, and subsequent dismissal by, the Princess of Wales

Diana, the Princess Of Wales attends a gala reception and preview of her ‘Dresses Auction’ at Christie’s in London in 1997

Prince Harry, who attended this week’s Jamaica premiere of the Bob Marley biopic, has previously shared the late reggae legend’s enthusiasm for marijuana. 

While Marley would reportedly smoke up to 18 joints a day, Harry’s past consumption was far less, with the Prince insisting: ‘Marijuana actually really did help me.’

There is relief among diplomats that Fujitsu, the Japanese company responsible for the computer system that ruined postmasters’ lives, has admitted its faults, paving the way for the Covid-postponed state visit by Emperor Naruhito. 

Without admission of guilt, any trip to the UK made by the Emperor would have been a rallying call for the wronged postmasters.

Lulu, pictured, admits to a schoolgirl passion for ex-US president Barack Obama

Warbler Lulu, pictured, admits to a schoolgirl passion for ex-US president Barack Obama. 

‘It’s unbelievably attractive for a man to be brilliant, but it seems to me that he has such a kind heart, too,’ she gushes. 

‘It helps that he looks like a movie star. I guess you could say I’ve always had a crush on him.’ 

Lulu, beware a different kind of crush… from Mrs Obama’s rolling pin.

John and Yoko Lennon’s son Sean has been nominated for an Oscar in the Best Animated Short category for his 11-minute film War Is Over! 

Based around a fictional chess game between German and British soldiers in the First World War, it is inspired by his dad’s music. Long overshadowed musically by John, could Sean now even the playing field by winning an Academy Award?

Appearing on Discovery’s Help! My House is Haunted, Paul Burrell claims Princess Diana’s ghost occupies his Cheshire home. She has been around for some time. 

Seven years ago he first announced that she had appeared to him as a ghost in his dreams and sought his assistance. ‘She’ll say, “When are you going to tell them, Paul, that I’m not actually dead? When are you going to tell the world that I’m still here?”,’ he said at the time.

Memo to Diana, wherever you are: when are you going to tell the world your ex-butler is a shameless chancer?

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