A dramatic controversy has re-emerged surrounding the British Royal Family following explosive extracts from an upcoming memoir by Earl Charles Spencer, the younger brother of the late Princess Diana. In his forthcoming book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, Spencer alleges that King Charles III—then the Prince of Wales—reacted shockingly in the immediate hours and days following Princess Diana’s death in August 1997.

What Shocking Claims Were Made in the Memoir?

According to serialization extracts published by the Daily Mail, Spencer detailed a phone conversation with Charles on the night Diana died in a Paris car crash. Spencer wrote that, unlike other grief-stricken callers, Charles "sounded giddily elated – like a lottery winner." Spencer speculated that the prince’s initial reaction stemmed from realizing the tragedy might leave him free to marry Camilla Parker Bowles.

In another extract, Spencer described a heated argument regarding Princess Diana's funeral arrangements. Spencer claims he strongly objected to young Princes William and Harry—then aged 15 and 12—walking behind their mother’s coffin. During the argument, Spencer alleges Charles flew into anger and claimed, "Rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough!" Spencer also suggests palace officials insisted on the young princes walking to shield Charles from public hostility.

How Has Buckingham Palace Responded?

The allegations prompted a rare and swift official response from Buckingham Palace. While the royal household typically ignores memoirs, a spokesperson issued a statement pointing to the emotional impact of long-term grief:

"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."

Former royal aides have expressed strong skepticism, noting that such statements do not align with Charles's known grief at the time.

Why Are These Revelations Significant Now?

Why do claims about 1997 matter so much today? Princess Diana remains an iconic public figure, and any new revelation regarding her death deeply impacts public perception of the monarchy. With King Charles on the throne alongside Queen Camilla, these allegations reopen historic wounds regarding the breakdown of their marriage. As Spencer's memoir prepares for publication, the claims underscore how Diana's legacy continues to cast a long shadow over the contemporary British Royal Family.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the title of Earl Charles Spencer’s new book?

Answer: The memoir is titled Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, written by Princess Diana's younger brother, Earl Charles Spencer.

Q2: What did Earl Spencer claim King Charles said after Princess Diana died?

Answer: Spencer claimed that King Charles sounded "giddily elated – like a lottery winner" during a phone call on the night of her death. He also alleged that during a debate over her funeral, Charles remarked, "Rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough!"

Q3: How did Buckingham Palace respond to these claims?

Answer: Buckingham Palace issued a rare statement noting that His Majesty is mindful that "the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory in ways others do not recognise."