Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Charles Spencer, has responded to Buckingham Palace after it reportedly questioned his recollection of a conversation with King Charles III, accusing the monarch of ‘gaslighting’ him. The conflict arose following excerpts from Spencer’s upcoming memoir, ‘Swan Song: Diana, My Sister,’ which described a heated conversation with Charles after Diana’s tragic death.
In the excerpt published by The Daily Mail, Spencer claimed that Charles, referring to his ex-wife, said, ‘We’ll forget her soon enough!’ This statement led Buckingham Palace to challenge Spencer’s version of events, suggesting that grief may have altered his memory of the conversation involving his sister’s passing.
During an interview with The Mail on Sunday, Spencer expressed his disappointment with the palace’s response, describing it as provocative and akin to calling him a liar. Spencer likened it to the palace’s ‘recollections may vary’ remark from the aftermath of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021.
The controversy stems from a phone call said to have occurred six days after Diana’s death in 1997. Spencer detailed how Charles allegedly unleashed his contempt for Diana, expressing disbelief at the world’s reaction to her passing. The alleged comment led to disagreement about Prince William and Harry walking behind their mother’s casket during the funeral procession.
His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and color memory in ways others do not recognize.
Spencer maintained his position during an appearance on BBC One’s ‘Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.’ Despite Buckingham Palace issuing a statement that implied Spencer’s account was inaccurate, he stood firm, asserting that Charles did indeed use those words.
Spencer offered reassurance that his nephews, Prince William and Prince Harry, are unlikely to be surprised by his account. He noted that he rarely communicated with Charles and recalled sharing the incident with family and friends due to its shocking nature.
Princess Diana tragically died at 36 in a car accident in Paris, alongside her partner Dodi Fayed and driver Henri Paul. At the time, Charles and Diana had been officially divorced for a year following their marriage in July 1981 and separation in December 1992. Spencer has publicly expressed opposition to the decision for William and Harry to walk behind their mother’s coffin, describing the experience as harrowing.
‘Swan Song: Diana, My Sister’ is anticipated for release on September 22. Fox News Digital’s Lori Bashian contributed to this report, alongside Ashley Hume, who provides entertainment coverage for Fox News Digital and Fox Business.
Leave a Reply