Earl Spencer Defends Memoir's Revelations About Diana, King Charles

Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, has defended the claims made in his new memoir, "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister," asserting that the book provides an opportunity to "lay certain myths to rest" about his late sister, Princess Diana.

The memoir, published Tuesday, includes controversial assertions, such as the claim that the then-Prince Charles remarked that Princess Diana would be forgotten "soon enough" following her death. These revelations, which were serialized in the Daily Mail, have garnered international attention.

Speaking to People magazine from his Althorp estate, Spencer stated that his book aims to correct long-standing narratives surrounding Diana, who died in August 1997. He particularly sought to address the perception of a difficult childhood.

"I think this does give me the opportunity to lay certain myths to rest," Spencer told People. He described his and Diana's upbringing as "really happy," attributing this to their father's caring nature, despite their mother's departure from the family home when Diana was seven.

However, Spencer acknowledged that his sister's recollection of their childhood differed, noting that Diana had described her early years as "very unhappy." He cited an instance where Diana recalled their father striking their mother. To ensure accuracy in his account, Spencer stated he consulted individuals who knew them as children, including a former nanny.

"She remembered Diana as this very happy little girl," Spencer said. "Maybe there was stuff going on inside that was more personal than she was processing, but at the time I think we seemed very happy."

Spencer also shared a personal connection with his sister, expressing a desire to "laugh with her again" and highlighting their shared sense of humor.

The memoir's serialization has prompted strong reactions, including denials from within Buckingham Palace. One notable claim in "Swan Song" alleges that Prince Charles sounded "giddily elated" in a phone call after Diana's death and made the remark about her being forgotten. This exchange reportedly occurred as Spencer was opposing the royal family's wish for Princes William and Harry to walk behind their mother's coffin during the funeral procession.

Prince Harry has since spoken about the funeral, stating, "I don't think any child should be asked to do that, under any circumstances."

"Swan Song" also details an alleged offer from Queen Elizabeth II to restore Diana's HRH title, which had been revoked after her divorce from Charles. According to Spencer, the offer was conveyed through her Private Secretary, Robert Fellowes, shortly after Diana's death, but he declined it, questioning its relevance at that point.

Buckingham Palace issued a rare statement in response to the memoir's claims, noting 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, however, has reiterated his commitment to his accounts, emphasizing his focus on Diana as the central figure of his book and his respect for individuals regardless of their status.

"Swan Song: Diana, My Sister" was published on Tuesday, following its initial serialization in the Daily Mail.