Earl Spencer will release a new book detailing the life of his sister, Diana, Princess of Wales, from his personal perspective. Titled "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister," the book is set to be released in the UK next month, nearly 30 years after her death.
Spencer stated his intention is to speak on Diana's behalf in a "openly positive way" and to help readers understand her character. He described her as a "one-off, dynamic character, full of love, charisma and self-doubt, who gave life a hell of a go, and left the world a far better place, despite exiting the stage while still so young."
Princess Diana died at the age of 36 following a car crash in Paris in 1997. She would have turned 65 on July 1st. At the time of her death, her sons Prince William and Prince Harry were 15 and 12 years old, respectively.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Spencer indicated that the approaching 30th anniversary of his sister's death had led to numerous interview requests. This prompted him to write his own account rather than engage with what he described as "untruths that have become accepted over time."
He explained that the book aims to present the truth about Diana from his viewpoint, referencing his eulogy at her funeral in Westminster Abbey in September 1997. In that speech, Spencer characterized Diana as "the very essence of compassion, of duty, of style, of beauty" and a "symbol of selfless humanity." He also addressed the media's role in her death, calling her the "most hunted person of the modern age," and pledged to protect her sons from a similar fate.
Spencer hopes the book will resonate with those who "still cherish" Diana's memory and will help younger generations understand who she truly was.
"Swan Song: Diana, My Sister" will be published by Penguin Michael Joseph, a division of Penguin Random House, on September 22 in the UK. Daniel Bunyard, publishing director at Penguin Random House UK, described the book as a "fitting tribute to the beloved woman who was Princess Diana."