Princess Diana’s butler set for Monty Lit Fest

We’re set for a right royal rumble this summer after organisers of the popular Montgomeryshire Literary Festival revealed that the former butler to Princess Diana is one of their headline authors.

The June 12-14 festival has become a summer highlight over the past five years, growing in size with big names in the literary world making a date with Montgomery.

And this year’s looks like being another blockbuster after it was revealed that Paul Burrell will be one of the guests. He shot to prominence in 2003 when he released his controversial memoir, A Royal Duty, which follows his career as a member of the Royal staff.

It deals with his time as butler to the Prince and Princess of Wales at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, and his move to Diana’s staff at Kensington Palace after her divorce from the then Prince Charles.

He has since become a familiar face on our TV screens, even finishing second in 2004’s I’m a Celebrity.

This summr’s festival will have its official launch on March 13 when Radio 4’s Marcus Berkmann will be visiting the town to host an Extra Fiendish Festival Quiz, and sharing details of the programme for the festival in June.

Mr Burrell has been included in a list of early authors released for Montgomery in June, including Zandra Rhodes, Tom Heap, Sophie Hannah, Andrew Logan and Cynan Jones.

“Every year, our festival weekend quiz sells out really quickly,” said Monty Lit Fest chairs Sarah Corser and Myfanwy Alexander in a statement. “And every year we have to turn people away. So, we thought we’d give everyone another chance to join in by asking Marcus to come twice and double the fun!”

Remembered for his appearances on Round Britain Quiz as well as his books, columnist Marcus will be at Montgomery Town Hall on the evening or Friday, March 13. The bar will be open.

Tickets go on sale for the Festival after the launch, but you can browse the programme at montylitfest.com where you can also sign up for their newsletter.

Tickets will be available via the website or locally from the Bookshop and Ivy Cafe/Post Office, both in Montgomery.

The following morning, Saturday, March 14, it’s the Monty Lit Fest Coffee Morning, also at the Town Hall.

With books and cakes, it’s the ideal reminder of what makes the Friendly Festival itself so popular - and why their A-lister authors are so keen to come.

More info via enquiries@montylitfest.com or Suzy on 07540 964678

PICTURES:  Paul Burrell (credit: Leo Holden at SnootyFox Images).