Earl Spencer's forthcoming Diana biography sparks royal response

Earl Charles Spencer, Princess Diana's younger brother, is preparing to publish a memoir titled Swan Song: Diana, My Sister next Tuesday. The book, which the Daily Mail is serialising, contains an alleged phone conversation in which Prince Charles told Spencer, "Rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough," a claim the royal household has disputed. Buckingham Palace said it does not comment on books but noted that grief can affect memory and judgment for many years.

Spencer, a peer, author and broadcaster, has previously written on the Spencer family and historic subjects. He has spoken publicly about his grief since Diana's 1997 death, describing it as an "amputation" in a recent interview.

The memoir also recounts a reported argument between Spencer and the then-Prince of Wales over the participation of Prince William and Prince Harry in Diana's funeral procession. According to the extract, Charles expressed anger about the funeral arrangements and his feelings toward Diana.

Spencer's relationship with the royal family has been described as strained since Diana's divorce. He has praised Diana's character and criticised media coverage of her, while pledging to protect her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, in statements that echo his sister's wishes.

The palace's response emphasized the potential impact of long-standing grief on recollection, without directly addressing the specific allegations in the memoir.