The ninth Earl Spencer published a memoir on Tuesday containing allegations directed at King Charles III regarding events surrounding Princess Diana’s 1997 funeral. In “Swan Song: Diana, My Sister,” Spencer recounts a dispute with the then-Prince Charles over whether the young princes should walk behind their mother’s coffin during the funeral procession. Spencer states he objected to the arrangement, arguing that Diana would not have wanted her sons to endure such an ordeal. According to Spencer’s account, Charles responded with anger to these concerns.
Spencer further claims in the book that Charles expressed contempt for Diana following their divorce and characterized the king’s demeanor after her death as elated. These allegations also include criticism of what Spencer describes as insufficient care shown toward the then-12-year-old Prince Harry in the aftermath of the funeral. Spencer wrote that his nephew appeared visibly distressed and deprived of the emotional support he required during that difficult period.
Buckingham Palace issued a formal response to the book’s publication, a notably forceful statement by royal standards. The palace suggested that grief could affect one’s judgment and memory over extended periods. Spencer has maintained the accuracy of his recollections in interviews with the BBC, questioning whether the king’s reaction stemmed from anger or embarrassment regarding the claims.
This conflict represents the latest chapter in longstanding friction between the Spencer family and the monarchy dating back to Diana’s death. Spencer has previously criticized royal conduct toward his sister and their family. The memoir, being released globally in 12 languages through Penguin Press, marks Spencer’s effort to document his own perspective on Diana’s life and legacy rather than rely on others’ accounts.
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