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Princess Diana Sold Old Clothing to "Raise Spending Money" for an Unexpected Reason Involving Prince William and Prince Harry, Per Former Butler

 Princess Diana Sold Old Clothing to "Raise Spending Money" for an Unexpected Reason Involving Prince William and Prince Harry, Per Former Butler

Princess Diana became known for many things throughout her life, such as her much-envied sense of style and her adoration of her children, Prince Harry and Prince William. According to one of the late princess's former staff members, Diana even prioritized her sons when it came to managing her closet and her bank account.

In his book, A Royal Duty, former royal butler Paul Burrell shared, "Some dresses were never destined for auctions or museums." Instead, some of Princess Diana's designer items were taken to thrift "stores in Knightsbridge or Chelsea [in London] where they would be handed over in exchange for cash when sold."

According to Burrell, it was entirely Diana's decision to sell some pieces of clothing, in order "to raise spending money for her because royals rarely carry hard currency." Basically, Princess Diana reportedly wanted to have a means of income, which wasn't necessarily tracked alongside her regular credit card spending.

"By generating cash, she could spend it as she wished without trace, and take William and Harry to the cinema or to McDonald's," Burrell wrote.

Princess Diana wearing a charm bracelet and red outfit

It was entirely Diana's decision to sell some pieces of clothing, in order "to raise spending money for her because royals rarely carry hard currency." (Image credit: Getty Images)

Burrell also elaborated on witnessing Harry and William learning about money as children.

"In the biggest paradox of their opulent royal life, the young princes were fascinated by money and how The Queen's face adorned every note of every denomination," the former royal butler shared.

Princess Diana giving William a piggyback walking next to Charles and Harry

"By generating cash, she could spend it as she wished without trace, and take William and Harry to the cinema or to McDonald's." (Image credit: Getty Images)

He continued, "A £10 note was a 'brown Granny' and a £50 note was a 'pink Granny.' When the princess handed out money, it was a joy to watch the boys jumping up and down, clutching the notes, invariably a 'pink Granny.'"

Seemingly, Princess Diana was happy to sell her old clothing if it meant she could spoil William and Harry.

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