Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer and brother of the late Princess Diana, has stated that his nephew, Prince Harry, was not involved in the creation of his recently released memoir, "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister."
In an interview on "CBS Mornings" with Gayle King, Spencer explained his decision to keep the book's development private. "Nobody knew about it except my wife, obviously, and the publishers. I didn’t tell any of the family until just before it was released publicly," he said.
Spencer emphasized that it was important to him that no one believed anyone else was involved in the book, particularly Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex, along with his wife Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, had recently visited Spencer at Althorp House.
According to Spencer, when Prince Harry learned about the memoir, his primary concern was whether anything within it would be embarrassing to him. Spencer assured that he did not violate Harry's privacy and that the book was written without compromising the privacy of the princes.
Spencer also addressed King Charles III's alleged reaction to Princess Diana's death in August 1997. Spencer claims his former brother-in-law appeared "elated" and suggested Diana would be forgotten "soon enough." King Charles has denied these claims, stating that "the pain of fraternal grief can color memory." Spencer referred to the King's denial as "gaslighting," asserting that his memory is accurate and that he informed others, including Barbara Walters, about the alleged reaction at the time.
Princess Diana's brother previously told People magazine that he informed both Prince Harry and Prince William about the book simultaneously, assuring them that while they were included as examples of having an exceptional mother, their privacy would not be compromised.
Prince Harry is reportedly in discussions to create a documentary about Princess Diana and has sought his uncle's participation. Neither Prince Harry nor Prince William have publicly commented on Spencer's memoir, having previously deflected questions about it.
The memoir reportedly includes unflattering details about King Charles III's reaction to Diana's death, a claim the King has refuted. Spencer criticized this denial as an attempt to suggest his memory is faulty.