Earl Spencer's memoir alleges controversial remarks by King Charles and Queen Elizabeth surrounding Princess Diana's death
In his forthcoming memoir, Earl Spencer claims King Charles made insensitive comments after Diana's death and that Queen Elizabeth responded curtly to the accident, prompting a response from Buckingham Palace.
Earl Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother, is set to publish a memoir titled Swan Song: Diana, My Sister that contains a series of allegations about the royal family’s conduct surrounding Diana’s death. The book, serialized in a national newspaper ahead of its release, claims that King Charles reacted to the news of the fatal crash with a tone the author describes as “giddily elated,” likening it to a lottery win, and later told him the public would “forget her soon enough.”
Spencer said the king also expressed anger over the funeral arrangements, accusing him of “going ballistic” and criticizing his family’s sense of duty. The memoir recounts Spencer’s concern for Prince Harry, noting a perceived lack of support for the prince in the aftermath of the tragedy.
The former duke also writes that Queen Elizabeth offered to restore Diana’s HRH title after her death, which he declined, describing the gesture as a “consolation award.” He further alleges that the queen initially reacted “tetchily” when first informed of Diana’s car accident.
Buckingham Palace responded to the claims by stating that the king is aware that “grief can cloud reason.” In a BBC interview, Spencer affirmed the truth of his statements and said he had shared them with close friends and family.
The full interview with BBC journalist Laura Kuenssberg will be broadcast on Sunday.