Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, will not publicly address the controversy surrounding Earl Spencer's new book about his sister, Princess Diana, nor will they participate in any documentary projects commemorating the 30th anniversary of Diana's death. Royal sources indicate that the couple intends to maintain a focus on their official and charitable responsibilities, steering clear of any public engagement related to the memoir.
The book, serialized in the Daily Mail, has reportedly caused distress to King Charles. Prince William is described as 'furious' about the book, particularly after his uncle, Earl Spencer, stated in a US television interview that he had spoken with William since its release. Despite this, William and Kate, along with their team, are committed to not engaging with matters connected to the book, a stance that is expected to remain unchanged.
This decision contrasts with past commemorations. In 2017, William and his brother Prince Harry appeared together in the ITV documentary "Diana, Our Mother: Her Life And Legacy" for the 20th anniversary of their mother's death. However, William has decided against a similar appearance for the upcoming 30th anniversary in 2027.
Prince Harry, meanwhile, has reportedly approached several of Diana's friends and family members, including his uncle Charles Spencer, to gauge their interest in participating in a commemorative film. Earl Spencer has continued to promote his book "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister" through television interviews in the United States. He has reiterated claims that King Charles told him Diana would be forgotten after her death, a statement he referred to as "those five words."
Earl Spencer recounted a significant disagreement with King Charles regarding the princes walking behind their mother's coffin at her funeral, an event he described as "absurd" and "completely wrong." He noted that Charles has a temper, referencing an incident where the King lost his temper with a fountain pen. Spencer stated that he remains available to his nephews if needed, but does not wish to interfere in their lives, mentioning that Prince Harry and his family stayed with him in July.
Kensington Palace has declined to comment on the book. Buckingham Palace issued a rare statement suggesting that "grief may have coloured Earl Spencer's recollection of events."
Prince William, who was 15 when Diana died in a Paris car crash in August 1997, has reportedly considered participating in anniversary programs. He met with BBC director-general Tim Davie to discuss potential documentary appearances. However, a source indicated that William has opted against appearing on screen, partly to avoid further conflict with his estranged brother, Prince Harry. One source suggested that William does not want to be "pitted against each other" with Harry.
Royal author Omid Scobie, described as close to the Sussexes, commented that while Prince Harry wishes to reconcile with his father and brother, the upcoming anniversary is unlikely to change his hopes for reconciliation. Scobie suggested that Prince Harry has "made it no secret that his wish for things moving forward, not just with his father, but with his brother as well, is to reconcile." However, Scobie also stated, "I can't see it making any difference, but one can always hope."
Regarding the relationship between the brothers, Scobie commented on ABC News Studios that "with William, I don't see it will ever change." He also suggested that Catherine, despite being seen by some as a potential peacemaker, has "very little to do with that relationship between the brothers."