A newly published book by Charles Spencer, brother of the late Princess Diana, has stirred global headlines with its critical claims about Diana’s former husband, now King Charles III. The book, titled “Swan Song: Diana, My Sister,” revisits long-standing issues within the British royal family.
Allegations Against King Charles III
In the book, Spencer describes a heated disagreement with the then-Prince Charles over the decision for Prince William and Prince Harry, at the ages of 15 and 12, to follow their mother’s coffin during the 1997 funeral. Spencer argues Diana would not have wanted her sons to face such an experience. He mentions that Charles reacted strongly to their disagreement, allegedly saying: “Rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough.” Furthermore, Spencer accuses him of showing “contempt” for Diana and behaving “elated” after her tragic death in a car crash in Paris at 36.
Following the release of book excerpts, Buckingham Palace issued a rare and strong statement. It emphasized that the pain of fraternal grief can impact memory and judgment, even after many years. Spencer remains firm in his claims, questioning whether Charles is “furious or embarrassed.”
Revisiting Royal Tensions
The marriage between Charles, then 32, and 20-year-old Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 was a grand affair, but their divorce in 1996 was followed by Charles’s marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles, now Queen Camilla. Tensions between the palace and the Spencer family have been depicted in films and series such as “The Queen” and “The Crown.” At Diana’s funeral, Spencer’s eulogy was seen as a critique of the royal family, as he promised that Diana’s “blood family” would honor her legacy.
During that period, many criticized the royal family’s delayed response to the worldwide mourning of Diana, leading to perceptions of a monarchy disconnected from public sentiment. Charles Spencer draws parallels between the media’s treatment of Diana and that of Prince Harry today, criticizing a “lack of obvious care” for Harry post-funeral and describing him as “tiny, and slight, and bereft.” Spencer regrets that Harry was denied his mother’s comforting support, remarking that instead, he was allowed to “spin out of control.”
Book’s Intent and Public Reaction
Critics question Spencer’s decision to revisit painful events decades later. However, he states his intent to document his own memories of Diana “once and for all,” amidst widespread misinformation. He also observes how the media’s current treatment of Harry and his wife, Meghan, reflects that of Diana, expressing pity for the repeated cycle. Penguin Press plans to publish the book internationally, with translations in 12 languages.
Leave a Reply