BBC News Online: UK

Diana butler to stand trial

Mr Burrell was close to tears at the end of the hearing

Paul Burrell, 43, was committed for trial in a 15-minute hearing at Bow Street magistrates in central London on Thursday.

Mr Burrell is charged with three counts of theft relating to 302 items belonging to Princess Diana's estate, 22 items belonging to Prince William and four items belonging to the Prince of Wales.

Mr Burrell, of Farndon, Chester, was close to tears at the end of the hearing.

He was remanded on conditional bail and was told by district judge, Timothy Workman, to report to the Central Criminal Court at 9.45am on 10 January, next year.

The former butler, who wore a black suit, white shirt and black tie, spoke only once, answering: "Yes," when asked if he understood.

Mr Burrell was arrested on suspicion of theft in January this year.

Personal possessions

The items are alleged to have been stolen between 1 January 1997 and 30 June 1998 from Kensington Palace.

They include personal photographs and negatives, crockery, jewellery, CDs, hats, cards and letters.

Among these, it was alleged, were letters from Diana to Prince William, signed: "Mummy."

Reporting restrictions were not lifted at Thursday's hearing.