Earl Spencer Apologizes to Piers Morgan for 'Fabricated Inaccuracies' in Memoir

Earl Spencer has apologized to broadcaster Piers Morgan for what he described as "incorrect" statements in his newly released memoir, "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister." The book, which has been serialized by the Daily Mail, contains an anecdote about Morgan's reaction to not being invited to Princess Diana's funeral.

Morgan had threatened to sue Spencer, alleging "fabricated inaccuracies" and "brazen falsity" within the book's content. He specifically took issue with an account where Spencer wrote that Morgan, then editor of the Mirror newspaper, "snarled with annoyance" upon being informed he was not welcome at the funeral. Spencer had decided to uninvite all national newspaper editors.

Spencer also wrote that he "assumed Morgan must be feeling particular guilt because, four years earlier, he and his Sunday Mirror counterpart" had published photos of Diana taken with hidden cameras. However, Morgan pointed out that these photographs, showing Diana in a leotard at a gym, were published in the Sunday Mirror in 1993, while he was still working at The Sun. He did not become editor of the Mirror until 1995.

In an excerpt read on his YouTube show, "Piers Morgan Uncensored," Morgan stated the book contained "fabricated inaccuracies which will strike to the heart of his credibility." He added, "There's just one problem. It's all bullshit and very, very easy bullshit for me to prove it."

Morgan declared, "You'll be hearing, and your publishers, from my lawyers." He demanded that the "complete lie" about him and the photographs be removed from the book, and that a donation be made to The King's Trust for the damage caused by the alleged lie.

Spencer acknowledged the error regarding the timeline of Morgan's editorship. A statement released by Spencer's representatives clarified, "The photographs were published by the Sunday Mirror on November 7 1993. Mr Morgan has pointed out that he did not join the Daily Mirror until October 1995. As an historian, accuracy is important to Earl Spencer. He therefore wishes to clarify that his assumption was incorrect. Earl Spencer apologizes to Mr Morgan for this error."

Despite the apology for the specific inaccuracy, Spencer stood by his account that Morgan was "surly and annoyed" when he was informed he could not attend the funeral. Morgan, however, reiterated his intention to pursue legal action against Spencer and his publisher, Penguin, to have the alleged lies removed and seek damages for The King's Trust.

Morgan also accused Spencer of employing a "Harry and Meghan playbook" of prioritizing "their truth before the truth," suggesting there would be further instances of falsity uncovered in the book. This included other claims, such as King Charles telling Spencer, "we'll forget [Diana] soon enough," and sounding "giddily elated" after her fatal car crash. Spencer has maintained the accuracy of his accounts regarding the King's alleged comments, which have also drawn criticism from royal allies and commentators.