Full Breakdown
Earl Spencer’s “Swan Song” reignites a dispute over King Charles’s alleged remarks after Diana’s death
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Earl Charles Spencer, brother of Princess Diana, is publishing the memoir *Swan Song: Diana, My Sister* next week. The book contains two high-profile allegations about King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) in the days after Diana’s 1997 death.
The claims have prompted a strong response from Buckingham Palace and a flurry of commentary from royal observers, politicians and the public.
Background & Context
Princess Diana died in a car crash in Paris on 31 August 1997, a tragedy that generated intense scrutiny of the royal family’s response. At the funeral on 6 September 1997, Spencer walked beside the royal family and delivered a widely quoted eulogy. Spencer’s new book arrives ahead of the 30th anniversary of Diana’s death and seeks to “set the record straight,” according to his publisher.
Data & Statistics
A YouGov poll released after the book’s excerpts were published shows a divided public: 31 % say they believe Spencer’s allegations, 36 % think they are untrue, and 33 % are unsure. Psychotherapist Nick Hatter notes that traumatic events can produce “distorted” memories, underscoring why recollections of the same phone call differ.
Official Statements & Responses
Buckingham Palace issued a rare statement, emphasizing that the monarch’s grief may affect memory:
*“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.”* — Palace spokesperson
Spencer has insisted his account is accurate, telling the BBC: “I can tell you here and now, those are exactly the words he said.” He added that he had shared the story with friends at the time because “it was so monstrous.”
Criticism & Opposition
Several senior conservatives have defended the king. Former Tory MP Rory Stewart, who tutored both princes, said he “simply cannot believe” the king made the alleged remark, describing it as “not his character.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Memory dispute – The palace’s statement suggests recollections may vary, while Spencer claims a precise verbatim.
- Public opinion – The YouGov poll shows no clear consensus, reflecting the difficulty of verifying a private conversation that occurred over three decades ago.
- Book access – BBC News has not seen the full manuscript, and the publisher has not disclosed the advance amount.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Palace spokesperson
- “I can tell you here and now, those are exactly the words he said.” — Charles Spencer
What’s Next
- *Swan Song* is scheduled for publication next week and will be serialized in the *Daily Mail*.
- The royal family’s calendar this week includes a visit by the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay to the Isle of Bute and Prince Harry’s appearance at the Invictus awards ceremony.
- No further comment from Buckingham Palace is expected until after the book’s release.