Controversy Surrounds Piers Morgan Following Claims in Earl Spencer’s Memoir

Threat of Legal Action by Piers Morgan

Piers Morgan has threatened legal action over claims made by Earl Charles Spencer in his upcoming memoir about Princess Diana. The memoir, titled Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, includes allegations that Morgan was irritable after being asked not to attend Diana’s funeral.

Spencer, Diana’s younger brother, states that he personally called newspaper editors to request they not be present at the service held at Westminster Abbey. He describes how editors were initially perplexed but ultimately complied with the request. Spencer’s memoir suggests that Morgan was the sole editor who reacted negatively, reportedly ending the call with annoyance.

Morgan has denied the allegations, labeling them as false. He has announced plans for legal action, although it remains uncertain if the disputed passage about his reaction is the primary reason. The memoir’s full text is pending release, as Swan Song is set to be published on Tuesday.

A Reflection on Media Intrusion

Spencer’s memoir repeatedly touches on the intense scrutiny Diana faced from the media up until her tragic death in a Paris car accident on August 31, 1997. He maintains that this pressure greatly impacted Diana.

Morgan’s conflict with Spencer involves two separate issues: Spencer’s specific claims about Morgan’s conduct in 1997 and broader criticisms of the media’s treatment of Diana and the Royal Family.

Allegations Regarding King Charles

Spencer also makes claims about King Charles in his memoir. He alleges that Charles appeared elated during a conversation shortly after Diana’s death in 1997. Spencer recalls Charles saying, “we’ll forget her soon enough,” during a disagreement regarding whether Diana’s sons should walk behind her coffin.

Buckingham Palace disputes Spencer’s account, explaining the King acknowledges how grief might affect one’s judgement and memory. Spencer remains firm in his account, stating he shared the conversation with family and friends because of its perceived cruelty. Richard Kay, a journalist, backs Spencer, recounting a heated exchange between him and Charles.

Dame Julia Cleverdon, a longtime associate of Charles, refutes Spencer’s portrayal, claiming it misrepresents Charles’s words and mannerisms.

Morgan’s Criticism of Spencer

Additionally, Morgan critiques Spencer for his memoir’s content. He accuses Spencer of hypocrisy for criticizing the media’s treatment of Prince Harry and Megan Markle while simultaneously disparaging King Charles.

During a BBC interview, Spencer discussed the media’s influence on Harry and Meghan, likening it to Diana’s experience. Morgan responded on social media, highlighting Spencer’s contradictory stance, noting the malign depiction of King Charles in the memoir.

The debate over Morgan’s alleged actions coincides with Spencer’s memoir sparking another conflict with Buckingham Palace.

Prince Harry did not comment on the memoir during an award ceremony in London.