Earl Spencer alleges Prince Charles was jubilant after Diana's death, palace denies claims

Prince Charles was described by Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, as sounding "giddily elated" when he learned of her death in 1997, according to excerpts from Spencer’s upcoming memoir. The book, titled Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, alleges the then-Prince reacted like a "lottery winner" during a phone call that followed the news of the crash.

Buckingham Palace issued a statement on Wednesday rejecting the account. > "While we do not comment on books as a matter of principle, His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss," a palace spokesperson said.

Spencer recounts receiving a midnight call from his sister Jane in Cape Town, alerting him to the accident, and says Charles later called him, informing him that he had told Princes William and Harry of their mother’s death that morning at Balmoral. The memoir also revisits earlier aspects of Diana’s marriage, citing a friend’s claim that Charles had told her he was happy to marry her but not in love.

Prince Harry’s representatives declined to comment, and the palace reiterated its earlier denial of the allegations. The book is scheduled for publication next week, and the full text has not been reviewed by the news outlet.