Charles Spencer's Memoir Details Allegations Against King Charles and Royal Family
Princess Diana's brother releases a memoir with claims of mistreatment, callous reactions, and strained family dynamics.
Charles Spencer's new memoir, "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister," released today, contains a series of controversial claims concerning King Charles III and the British royal family.
Before the book's release, a representative for King Charles issued a statement suggesting that "grief had clouded Spencer’s judgment and memory." The statement read, "His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and color memory in ways others do not recognize, even many years after such a loss."
Childhood Allegations
Spencer alleges in his book that he and his sister, Princess Diana, were subjected to physical abuse by two of their nannies during their childhood. He claims one nanny would strike their palms with a wooden spoon, while another, whom he described as worse, would reportedly hit their heads against a concrete wall outside the nursery bathroom.
Reactions to Diana's Death
One of the most striking claims in the memoir is Spencer's account of a phone call with King Charles following Diana's death in a car crash in Paris in 1997. Spencer alleges that Charles sounded "giddily elated — like a lottery winner" during the conversation. He also stated that Charles sounded "strangely matter-of-fact" when informing him that he had already told their sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, about their mother's death. Spencer speculates that Charles may have been thinking more about his ability to marry Camilla Parker Bowles than about his loss.
Family Dynamics and Relationships
The book also touches on alleged dynamics within the royal family. Spencer claims that his and Diana's father had a "romantic connection" with Queen Elizabeth II prior to her marriage to Prince Philip. He alleges this connection was ended by Lord Mountbatten, Philip's uncle.
Spencer writes that on the day of his father's funeral, Charles told him he was "lucky" that his father died at a young age, allegedly stomping his foot while complaining about being treated like a child despite being 43.
Post-Divorce and Personal Struggles
Spencer suggests that Princess Diana suffered from undiagnosed Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). He notes her struggles with concentration in school and her intense emotional pain from perceived rejection. He also claims that in her later years, she contemplated suicide, but her love for her sons prevented her from doing so.
Diana's Wedding and Personal Life
According to Spencer, Diana confided in a friend that the day before her 1981 wedding to Charles, he told her he was not in love with her. Spencer alleges Diana was heartbroken and that her father urged her to go through with the marriage despite her concerns.
Spencer also claims that Diana slapped their father after he secretly married his second wife, Raine McCourquodale, whom Diana and Charles intensely disliked. He states that after their father's stroke, their stepmother allegedly prevented Diana and her siblings from visiting him.
Other Allegations
Spencer claims Diana told him about a powerful American suitor who wanted her as a "trophy wife" and hinted at a presidential future if she married him. Additionally, Spencer alleges that a close associate of Charles's frequently asked a public relations friend to spread lies about him in the press, which Spencer states damaged his reputation and led him to contemplate suicide. He drew strength from the thought that Diana had endured worse.
In response to King Charles's rebuttal, Spencer reiterated his claims on the BBC, stating, "I can tell you here and now, those are exactly the words he said."