Full Breakdown
King Charles Faces Rare Palace Rebuttal Over Alleged Post-Diana Remarks
By Drooid · · How we work
The Allegations and Palace Response
Spencer says the comment followed his objection to Princes William and Harry walking behind their mother’s coffin at the September 6, 1997 funeral. The palace stopped short of calling Spencer a liar but questioned the reliability of his recollection.
Background to the Dispute
Princess Diana died on August 31, 1997, in a Paris tunnel while fleeing paparazzi. The funeral on September 6, 1997 featured William and Harry walking behind Diana’s coffin, a decision that has remained a focal point of public debate. Spencer, who delivered a televised eulogy that night, has long clashed with the Windsors over Diana’s legacy. His forthcoming memoir, *Swan Song: Diana, My Sister*, is scheduled for publication on September 22, 2026.
Key Figures & Groups
- Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer – Diana’s brother, author of the memoir.
- King Charles III – Former Prince Charles, alleged source of the “forget her” remark.
- Princess Diana – Late Princess of Wales.
- Princes William and Harry – Sons of Diana and Charles.
- Buckingham Palace – Official voice of the monarch, issued the rebuttal.
Data & Statistics
- Diana’s death: August 31, 1997 (age 36).
- Funeral procession: September 6, 1997.
- Publication date of *Swan Song*: September 22, 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
No direct denial of the quoted words was offered.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Spencer presents a detailed recollection of the phone call, including the exact phrasing of the alleged remark. The palace counters that grief can distort memory, offering no independent verification of the conversation. No recording or third-party account of the call has been produced, leaving the dispute between Spencer’s personal account and the palace’s skepticism unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I assumed the pause signaled an effort to bring himself under control, but then he unleashed down the phone what I have always taken to be his pent-up contempt for Diana, and his horror that the world was so bowled over by her death. ‘Rest assured,’ he hissed, ‘we’ll forget her soon enough!’” — Charles Spencer
- “I felt it my duty to lay out the true story of Diana in one book,” — Charles Spencer
What’s Next
*Swan Song: Diana, My Sister* will hit shelves on September 22, 2026. The same week, King Charles will host an AI summit at Dumfries House in Ayrshire.