Princess Diana’s Brother’s Book Sparks Royal Controversy

On Tuesday, a new book titled “Swan Song: Diana, My Sister,” authored by Charles Spencer, brother of the late Princess Diana, came out. Headlines worldwide are buzzing as Spencer makes striking accusations about Diana’s ex-husband, now King Charles III. This has reopened old wounds in Britain’s royal family.

Book’s Allegations

Spencer asserts he had disagreements with the then-Prince Charles about arrangements for Diana’s sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, to participate in the 1997 funeral procession. Diana died in a car crash in Paris at the age of 36. Spencer claims Diana would not have wanted her boys to endure the ordeal, stating how Charles “went ballistic” and remarked, “Rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough.” Additionally, Spencer charges Charles with having “contempt” for Diana and sounding “elated” after her tragic death.

Palace Response

Following the book’s excerpt release, Buckingham Palace issued an unusual statement, given its typically reserved nature. It indicated that His Majesty believes that “fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment, and color memory.” Despite this, Spencer stands firm in his assertions and publicly wonders about Charles’s reaction, asking, “Is he furious? Is he furious or is he embarrassed?”

Charles and Diana’s Past

The wedding of Charles and the 20-year-old Lady Diana Spencer took place in 1981, followed by their divorce in 1996. Charles later married Camilla Parker Bowles, now Queen Camilla. During Diana’s funeral, Charles Spencer promised in his eulogy that Diana’s “blood family” would preserve her legacy of love and imagination in bringing up her sons.

The struggles between the royal family and the Spencers were portrayed in film and television. The royal family’s slow response to Princess Diana’s global mourning led to perceptions of their disconnection with public sentiment. The heartfelt actions of William, Harry, and King Charles in recent years are seen as responses to that crisis.

Harry’s Experience and Media Echoes

Spencer also highlights the perceived lack of “care” toward Prince Harry after Diana’s death, emphasizing how his nephew appeared “tiny, and slight, and bereft” during the funeral. Spencer reflects on Harry’s need for Diana’s comforting presence.

Critics have questioned the need to revisit these painful memories. Spencer explains his desire to document his perspectives on Diana, avoiding the discomfort of reading potentially false opinions of others.

Spencer also draws parallels between media treatment of Harry and Meghan and the criticism faced by Diana, stating that Diana “was really brought low by all that criticism.” He expresses concerns about seeing historical echoes today.

“Swan Song: Diana, My Sister” has been published by Penguin Press and will be available globally in 12 languages.