Butler breaks his silence

Paul Burrell is in a secret location with his family

Princess Diana's former butler, Paul Burrell, has broken his silence and begun to explain some of the circumstances which led to the collapse of his theft trial.

He was acquitted of stealing hundreds of Princess Diana's possessions on Friday when it emerged he told the Queen five years ago he was taking some items for safe-keeping.

Mr Burrell told the BBC's royal correspondent, Nicholas Witchell, he had remained silent about his meeting with the Queen because he "never realised" what he told her could clear him.

I never realised that what I told the Queen could clear me

Paul Burrell

He had also assumed that, like every other conversation he had with her, the details should always remain confidential.

During the trial the role of Diana's sister Lady Sarah McCorquodale and her mother Frances Shand Kydd came under close scrutiny.

Mr Burrell, it was stated in court, was concerned that they were shredding a large number of important documents.

Mr Burrell said the words he used to the Queen in relation to the documents were: "I'm sorry your majesty I am going to keep these things safe."

Bidding war

It was this sentence that led to the collapse of the trial and his complete exoneration.

The Queen apparently remembered the conversation last week and mentioned it to Prince Charles, who told prosecutors just before Mr Burrell entered the witness box.

The collapse of the trial has put intense pressure on police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which had always had a statement from Mr Burrell saying he had spoken to the Queen.

The Queen told Prince Charles the news at a Bali memorial service

Some senior legal figures have called for an inquiry, but the CPS has said it is too early to say whether there will be a review of the case, which is estimated to have cost at least £1.5m.

Nicholas Witchell said Mr Burrell, who is staying in a secret location, seemed very happy and relaxed during their telephone conversation.

"He was enjoying the moment, the lifting of this huge burden, with his wife Maria and children," he said.

Although Mr Burrell has told those around him he would never reveal the secrets of his time as Princess Diana's trusted butler and confidant, an intense media bidding war has begun for his story.

His agent said up to 300 offers, one in the region of £1m, had been received from publications worldwide.

He is expected to do some interviews later this week, but it is believed he will remain loyal to the Royal Family.