Prince Harry Knew About Bombshell Claims in Uncle's Diana Book

Prince Harry was fully aware of the sensational claims detailed in his uncle Charles Spencer's new book, "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister," prior to its publication, sources have told Page Six. The revelations did not come as a surprise to the Duke of Sussex.

It is understood that Prince Harry discussed the book's contents with his uncle during a visit to the Spencer ancestral estate, Althorp, in July. He was accompanied by Meghan Markle and their children during this visit, which included a stop at his mother's burial site.

The memoir is set to explore the turbulent marriage of King Charles III and the late Princess Diana, which concluded in divorce in August 1996 after years of infidelity. According to the book, Earl Spencer alleges that King Charles told him, "Rest assured, we’ll forget Diana soon enough" in a phone call days after her death in a Paris car crash in August 1997 at the age of 36.

Earl Spencer, Diana's younger brother, also recounts a significant disagreement with Charles over the decision to have his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, then 15 and 12 years old, walk behind their mother's coffin during the funeral procession. Charles reportedly insisted that Diana would not have wanted her young sons to endure such a public ordeal. He is also quoted as questioning the Spencer family's sense of duty and suggesting that his ex-wife would soon be forgotten.

These comments, made by the then-Prince of Wales nearly 30 years ago, have been described by Earl Spencer as reflecting "his pent-up contempt for Diana, and his horror that the world was so bowled over by her death."

Prince Harry, who recently celebrated his 42nd birthday, has spoken openly about the lasting trauma of walking behind his mother's coffin. In a 2021 Apple TV+ docuseries, he described the experience as feeling as though he was "outside of my body." He has stated that no child should be subjected to such an experience. In his own 2023 memoir, "Spare," Harry referred to his uncle's characterization of the funeral procession as "barbaric."

Prince Harry, now residing in the UK with Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, has maintained a close relationship with his mother's younger brother. He also remains in contact with Diana's sisters, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, who attended both of his children's christenings. In contrast, Prince William has maintained a more private relationship with the Spencer family.

Buckingham Palace issued a general statement regarding the book: "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 colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss."

During Princess Diana's funeral, Earl Spencer vowed to protect his nephews, stating his commitment to continue the "imaginative and loving way" she was guiding them.

Earl Spencer announced his intention to write the memoir in August, explaining that he felt compelled to share his own thoughts and memories due to the numerous interview requests he received concerning Diana, particularly with the 30th anniversary of her death approaching. He aims to present the truth about Diana from his perspective, mirroring his eulogy at her funeral, and hopes the book will help readers understand her "one-off, dynamic character, full of love, charisma and self-doubt."