Earl Spencer Defends Memoir's Claims About King Charles Amid Palace Rebuttal

Earl Spencer has staunchly defended the accounts detailed in his new memoir regarding conversations with King Charles III in the days following Princess Diana's death, asserting his version of events as a matter of record. The defense comes after Buckingham Palace issued a rare, strong statement questioning Spencer's judgment and memory.

Speaking from Althorp, the Spencer family's ancestral home, the Earl maintained the conviction of his recollections. He detailed his conversations with the then-Prince Charles, emphasizing that the Palace had not directly denied his claims but instead challenged his perspective. The Palace's statement acknowledged that "the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss."

Spencer's memoir includes allegations that Prince Charles sounded "giddy" in the aftermath of Diana's death in 1997 and "hissed" that the world would "forget her soon enough." These assertions have been met with significant unhappiness and frustration at Buckingham Palace, contrasting with their usual "never explain, never complain" approach.

The relationship between the two men has historically been complex, with Spencer noting decades of difficult interactions. Allies on both sides have emerged to support their respective accounts, with supporters of the King disputing Spencer's claims, while others have backed the Earl.

During an interview at Althorp, Spencer recounted his memories in meticulous detail. He noted that his famous eulogy for his sister, which included the line "Diana will never be extinguished from our minds," was intended as a direct riposte to the suggestion that she would be quickly forgotten.

Spencer insisted he is not motivated by vengeance or a desire to damage the monarchy, stating he possesses further information about the King that he has chosen not to share. By publishing his memoir and speaking out, he aims to provide his account and pay tribute to his sister's life, particularly as the 30th anniversary of her death approaches.

The interview concluded with Spencer becoming emotional when asked how much he missed his sister, nearly three decades after her death. He stated that he misses her every day, emphasizing that "the thing with sibling loss? You never get over it." This display of grief, even at the end of a television interview discussing the monarchy and controversial claims, underscores that the impact of Diana's death remains a palpable reality for her brother, and the contest for control over her memory continues.