Sep 6, 2006, 15:49 GMT
The former butler of Britain's Princess Diana has fled the UK after sparking outrage with his new tell-all book.
Paul Burrell - who was once described by the princess as her "rock" - left his wife and children at their Cheshire home last night (05.09.06) and jetted off to his lavish five-bedroom holiday home in Florida.
He has come under fire from Diana's friends and family after penning a new tome on the princess entitled 'The Way We Were'.
Pictures of Burrell wearing a large diamond in his left ear as he was leaving the country have further upset furious friends of the late royal, who insist he is "cashing in on her name".
Apart from the £60,000 Cartier jewel, Burrell is said to have also spent a large proportion of his fortune - made from his first book on Diana, 'A Royal Duty' - on extravagant gifts and pricey properties.
Those close to the late royal, have expressed fears the former servant is under the illusion he is an aristocrat himself.
Simone Simmons, a close friend of Diana, told Britain's Daily Express newspaper: "This may sound strange but he actually thinks he is Diana and he thinks he deserves the wealth and status that goes with the way he feels.
"To say he is addicted to the spotlight is an understatement, it is as if he can not help himself."
Critics say the fortune Burrell is expected to make from his latest book will encourage him to continue his "selfish" existence.
Simmons added: "He has all but dumped his family and he is living his flamboyant double life in Florida, only returning to the UK when he needs more money."
(C) BANG Media International
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