Princess Diana's former butler has warned Meghan Markle to stay close to Prince Harry and the Queen and to avoid other members of the royal family this Christmas.

Paul Burrell, who worked for the family for 21 years and helped Diana adjust to royal life, reckons Meghan should keep a low profile. He says that the scrutiny she's been under in the past year will be nothing compared to what she's set to face at Sandringham, the Queen's country estate, at Christmas. "Imagine Downton, but ramp it up. Sandringham is Downton Abbey on speed," he told The Daily Mail. "It's the most intense period of the year, I've been there for so many Christmases, this house is occupied by some of the biggest personalities and egos in the country." Many in the family use the festive break as a chance to get the Queen one-on-one and he reckons that's what Meghan should do. "It's what I said to Diana when she first came into the family, try to get airtime with the Queen, speak into her ear. "That's the time Meghan should grasp, don't be talking dresses and jewels with other royals, head for the Queen. "The Queen is the most humble, approachable and kind person you'll ever meet, she's a great listener, nothing will shock her, she's heard everything, and you can tell her everything, and it will be safe." Paul ended his time with the royal family in 1997 after Diana's death and now runs his own floristry business.