Charles Spencer Believes Princess Diana Would Have Been 'Happy' if Not Married to King Charles
Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, suggested his sister's life might have been happier had she not married the now-King Charles III.
Charles Spencer, brother of the late Princess Diana, posits that his sister would have been "happy" if she had not married King Charles III. Spencer shared this view during an interview with Tina Brown at St. Peter’s Chelsea in New York City.
Speaking about his new book, "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister," which explores his sister's life and legacy, Spencer argued that navigating life within the British monarchy can be particularly challenging for those not born into it. "I think there are certain people who find it very difficult to be inside of it," he explained. "I think if you grow up in a royal family, it’s a lot easier than marrying into it. If you look at the wives of those who’ve married in, it’s tough. It’s a way of thinking that is very specific."
Charles and Diana first met in 1977, initially as family friends. Their relationship became romantic in 1980, and they married in 1981. The couple had two sons, Prince William, born in 1982, and Prince Harry, born in 1984. However, their marriage began to deteriorate in the mid-1980s, coinciding with the increasing prominence of Camilla Parker Bowles (now Queen Camilla) in Charles's life, which Diana became aware of.
The couple separated in 1992, with their divorce finalized four years later. Princess Diana died in a car crash in Paris in August 1997, alongside her companion Dodi Fayed and driver Henri Paul.
Spencer's book also contains claims that King Charles III made purportedly "monstrous" remarks about Diana after her death, with the author alleging that Charles sounded like a "lottery winner" and suggested she would be forgotten "soon enough." The palace has issued a statement in response to the book's claims, suggesting that Spencer's grief may have affected his memory and judgment. However, Spencer has maintained his assertions, telling the BBC that he is "telling the truth" regarding Charles's comments.
Recently, Prince Harry has reportedly been in discussions to create a documentary about his mother and has sought to involve Earl Spencer in the project.