Earl Spencer has refuted claims that his new memoir, 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister,' is intended as a "hit piece" on King Charles, asserting that he "stands by the truth" of the book's contents.
In his first live television interview on ITV's Lorraine, Spencer addressed the controversy surrounding an allegation in the book that then-Prince Charles told him, in the days after Diana's death, "We will forget her soon enough." This claim prompted an unusual statement from Buckingham Palace, with royal aides questioning the veracity of Spencer's account and suggesting that grief can affect memory.
Spencer, however, described the King's alleged remark as "classic gaslighting" and maintained his stance, stating, "I stand by the truth and that's the way it is. I knew when I took this on that it would have a controversial effect, but it doesn't matter because it's for Diana and I'd do anything for her."
He suggested that if he intended to create a "hit piece" on the Royal Family, he could easily do so, but emphasized that his goal was to "celebrate Diana." Spencer acknowledged that in doing so, other individuals might not be portrayed as favorably as they might wish, citing a "huge power dynamic in this country" where Buckingham Palace influences media narratives.
The memoir also details a disagreement regarding the decision for Prince William and Prince Harry, then 15 and 12, to walk behind their mother's coffin during her funeral procession. Spencer claims he was overruled and argued against the decision, believing Diana would not have wanted her sons to endure such a public ordeal. He recalled the walk as "agony" for the young princes, particularly for 12-year-old Harry.
Spencer also clarified that he has not discussed the book with Prince Harry or Meghan Markle, despite their past stays at his estate in Althorp. He stated that the only person he discussed the book with was his wife, Cat Jarman.
Regarding a past dispute with Piers Morgan over claims made in the book, Spencer acknowledged a "small error" concerning Morgan's past journalistic activities and stated that he has apologized and will correct it in the second edition of the book. Morgan had previously threatened legal action over alleged inaccuracies.
Spencer's book, published on Tuesday and serialized by the Daily Mail, has generated significant discussion. He noted that he had anticipated a controversial reception, drawing a parallel to the intense press coverage Diana endured during her lifetime, which he described as "way worse than I'm getting this week."