Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, has publicly defended claims in his new memoir that King Charles III made remarks about Princess Diana’s death during a private conversation in 1997. Spencer, in an interview with CBS Mornings, reiterated his account that the then-Prince Charles said, 'Rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough,' after Spencer objected to Princes William and Harry walking behind their mother’s coffin at her funeral.
Spencer, who delivered a eulogy at Diana’s funeral, stated he had only two conversations with the now-king at the time and emphasized that he did not consult the royal family before publishing his book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister. He added that he has since spoken with William and Harry about the book’s contents.
Buckingham Palace responded to Spencer’s claims in a statement, asserting that the king is 'mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgement and colour memory.' The palace did not directly address the alleged remark but framed the king’s perspective as influenced by personal loss.
In the book, Spencer also recounts Charles as sounding 'giddily elated' after Diana’s death, a characterization that has drawn attention. Spencer clarified that his intention with the memoir is to 'celebrate Diana,' describing her as someone who 'gave life a hell of a go' despite her short life.
The memoir, released nearly 30 years after Diana’s death, has reignited discussions about the royal family’s handling of her legacy and the dynamics between its members during a period of intense public scrutiny.
Context and Background
Princess Diana died in a car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997, at age 36. Her funeral on September 6, 1997, was a globally televised event, with William and Harry, then aged 15 and 12, walking behind her coffin. Spencer’s eulogy at the funeral is widely remembered for his tribute to Diana, including the line, 'We thank you, Diana, for being our sister, our mentor, our inspiration.'
Spencer’s book comes amid ongoing public fascination with the royal family’s history, particularly the events surrounding Diana’s life and death. The memoir includes Spencer’s reflections on his relationship with Diana, his role in her funeral, and his observations of the royal family’s actions during and after her death.
Reactions and Interpretations
Spencer has pushed back against suggestions that his account is inaccurate, stating, 'I know I heard that.' He also mentioned sharing the conversation with journalist Barbara Walters at the time. Buckingham Palace’s response, while not directly disputing the claim, suggested that the king’s perspective may be shaped by grief.
The book’s release has prompted discussions about the timing and motivations behind Spencer’s revelations. Spencer noted that he did not inform the royal family of his writing process to avoid perceptions of bias, particularly regarding his relationship with Prince Harry.
Long-Term Implications
The memoir’s publication has raised questions about the royal family’s internal dynamics and the enduring impact of Diana’s death on its members. Spencer’s account adds to the broader narrative of Diana’s life, legacy, and the controversies that surrounded her relationship with the monarchy.
Spencer’s book is positioned as a tribute to Diana, aiming to highlight her personal strengths and the challenges she faced. However, the claims within it have also sparked renewed debate about the actions and words of the royal family during a pivotal moment in modern British history.