King Charles and Earl Spencer Clash Over Princess Diana Memoir Claims

A sharp exchange has emerged between King Charles and Princess Diana's brother, Earl Charles Spencer, surrounding accusations made in Spencer's forthcoming memoir, "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister." Spencer alleges that the King made callous remarks in the immediate aftermath of Diana's 1997 death, which have drawn an uncharacteristic response from Buckingham Palace.

Spencer, 62, has publicly criticized the 77-year-old monarch, reportedly calling him a "bellowing buffoon." According to leaked passages from the memoir, Spencer claims that Charles told him, "Rest assured…we’ll forget her soon enough!" shortly after Diana's fatal car crash in Paris.

Buckingham Palace issued a statement in response to the claims, noting, "While we do not comment on books as a matter of principle, His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and color memory in ways others do not recognize, even many years after such a loss."

The memoir, set for publication on September 22, arrives shortly after Prince Harry, Diana's younger son, released his own royal-critical autobiography, "Spare." The palace's statement echoes language used in a 2021 response to claims made by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their interview with Oprah Winfrey, which stated, "Whilst some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately."

"Swan Song" marks the first time Earl Spencer has publicly addressed his sister's death. The book reportedly delves into details such as Spencer's claim that palace courtiers "forced" Princes William and Harry, then aged 15 and 12, to walk behind their mother's coffin during the funeral procession. Spencer asserts this was done out of fear that Charles would face public abuse if he walked alone.

Spencer also writes about Diana's struggles with depression, stating she contemplated suicide by jumping from the Beachy Head cliffs, only stopping by the thought of her sons. He further alleges that King Charles sounded "giddily elated" and like a "lottery winner" when informed of Diana's death, interpreting it as a potential liberation to marry Camilla Parker Bowles, whom he later wed in 2005.

Charles and Diana married in 1981, separated in 1992, and divorced in 1996. Their marriage was reportedly strained by infidelity on both sides. Following Diana's death alongside Dodi Fayed, the world entered a period of shock and mourning.

Spencer claims that on the day of Diana's death, while speaking with his sister, Lady Jane Fellowes, he heard her husband, Robert Fellowes, then the Queen's Private Secretary, exclaim, "Oh, no!" in disbelief. Jane then relayed that Diana was dead.

Spencer recounts his conversation with Charles regarding the funeral procession plans for William and Harry. He claims he told Charles the boys should not follow the coffin. In response, Spencer alleges Charles said, "Rest assured…we’ll forget her soon enough!" leading Spencer to end the call.

The memoir also touches on Diana's rapid transition from a nursery assistant to a global figure following her engagement to Charles. Spencer claims Charles told Diana days before their wedding that he was happy to marry her but not in love, and that she was advised by her father that calling off the wedding was impossible.

Spencer suggests his sister may have suffered from ADHD and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, contributing to her emotional responses. He also recounts an incident where Diana told him Charles was "in love with his valet," a statement Spencer dismissed as improbable.

Princess Diana died on August 31, 1997, at the age of 36. Her funeral was a global event, watched by an estimated 2.5 billion people. The revelations from Earl Spencer's memoir are expected to reignite public discussion about the events surrounding Diana's death and the complex relationships within the royal family.