Spencer's new book revives unfounded rumor of King Charles' alleged affair with valet
Charles Spencer's memoir excerpt repeats a long-discredited claim that Prince Charles had a sexual relationship with his former valet Michael Fawcett, a rumor previously dismissed by police and royal officials.
In a newly released excerpt from Charles Spencer’s memoir about his sister, Princess Diana, the author repeats a rumor that Prince Charles was involved with his former valet. Spencer writes that Diana told him she would seek a divorce because “my husband is in love with his valet,” though he does not name the servant. Journalist Tom Sykes identified the valet as Michael Fawcett, who served Charles in the 1990s and later headed the Prince’s Foundation.
The allegation first surfaced in the early 2000s and was investigated by police in 2003, who found no evidence of misconduct. At the time, Sir Michael Peat, a spokesperson for the Prince, called the claim “totally ludicrous and, indeed, risible,” and said it was made by a man with mental-health problems. The Royal Household also issued a statement dismissing the rumor as unfounded.
Fawcett has been linked to a separate “cash-for-honors” controversy in 2021, but no charges have been filed in either case. Buckingham Palace, in a recent statement, warned that grief can cloud reason and suggested that Spencer’s revival of the rumor may be intended to generate publicity for his book.
“My god … Hard to imagine more incendiary claims, or ones more deliberately aimed to harm King Charles’ reputation,” broadcaster Piers Morgan said on social media.
Spencer’s memoir also describes tense conversations with Charles after Diana’s 1997 death, but the valet allegation remains unsubstantiated and has been repeatedly rejected by royal officials and law enforcement.