Earl Spencer Defends Princess Diana Memoir Claims About King Charles

Earl Spencer has defended the controversial claims made in his new memoir, "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister," asserting that writing the book was his "duty... as an eyewitness to history." In an interview with the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Spencer discussed allegations detailed in the book concerning King Charles, who was then Prince of Wales.

Early Hours of Awareness

Spencer recounted receiving the initial call about his sister Princess Diana's car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997. He was in South Africa and was told by his sister, Lady Jane Fellowes, that the crash was "not too serious." However, as more distressing calls followed, he was eventually informed of Diana's death. He described the progression from a "little prang" to a fatal incident.

Tonal Discrepancy After Diana's Death

Spencer also detailed a phone call with Prince Charles after Diana's death, during which Charles explained how he had informed Princes William and Harry. Spencer described Charles's tone as having a "giddy tone," which he found jarring compared to the reactions of others who were stunned by the news. In his book, Spencer suggests this tone might have stemmed from Charles's anticipation of being able to marry Camilla Parker Bowles. When questioned by Kuenssberg, Spencer acknowledged he could not be certain of Charles's thoughts but inferred this possibility from the tone of the conversation.

Funeral Procession Dispute

The memoir also recounts a disagreement over whether Princes William and Harry should walk behind their mother's coffin during the funeral procession. Spencer stated he opposed the idea, believing Diana would not have wanted it. He then claimed Charles called him, referencing his own experience walking behind Lord Mountbatten's coffin. When Spencer countered that Charles was an adult and Mountbatten was not his mother, he alleged Charles became enraged and ranted about the Spencer family's sense of duty before saying, "We'll forget her soon enough." Spencer told the BBC he was so stunned by this remark that he ended the call.

Buckingham Palace issued a statement in response, suggesting that "the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgement and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss." Spencer reiterated his account, stating he was "hyper-alert" during the call and stood by his assertion that Charles made the remark.

Motivations for Writing

Spencer, 62, stated his motivation for writing the book was his awareness of mortality and a desire to document historical truths. He clarified that while he knows "lots of things about the King" not included in the book, these were omitted as they were not relevant to the narrative, denying any intention to threaten. He described the book as a "loving tribute" to his sister, aimed at providing honesty.

Reflections on Royal Family and Press

Regarding the ongoing situation of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Spencer expressed concern over their lack of police protection in the UK, citing his sister's death in "preventable circumstances." He drew parallels between the negative press his sister endured and the treatment of Harry and Meghan, noting that such constant criticism must be a "cancerous influence."

Spencer also shared his support for a "modern monarchy," distinguishing his view from archaic protocols. He emphasized that his criticisms in the book pertain to events from over 30 years ago and not to King Charles's current role as monarch.

He concluded by expressing a hope for reconciliation between Princes William and Harry, stating he is on the side of both his nephews and wishes for their happiness. He also reflected on the impact of the 1995 Martin Bashir interview, suggesting it contributed to Diana's feelings of distrust and vulnerability leading up to her death.