Full Breakdown
Earl Spencer’s Memoir Revives a 1997 Controversy: Claims King Charles Said “We’ll Forget Her Soon Enough”
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Spencer says the comment was made during a heated phone call about whether Princes William and Harry should walk behind their mother’s coffin. The claim has triggered a rare, sharply worded response from Buckingham Palace.
Background & Context
Spencer, the ninth Earl Spencer and Diana’s younger brother, has long been a vocal defender of his sister’s legacy. His eulogy at Diana’s 1997 funeral framed her as “the very essence of compassion.” Nearly three decades later, the memoir arrives as the 30th anniversary of Diana’s death approaches, and as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s return to the UK has renewed scrutiny of royal-media relations. Spencer argues the book is “a brother’s simple tribute” and a duty to set the record straight.
Timeline
- May 20 1964 – Charles Spencer is born.
- August 31 1997 – Diana dies in a Paris car crash; Spencer is in South Africa.
- Early September 1997 – Spencer says he received a call from Prince Charles, later recalling a “giddily elated” tone.
- August 26 – Spencer tells the BBC he immediately shared the alleged comment with close friends because it was “so monstrous.”
- September 22 2024 (scheduled) – *Swan Song* is released in the UK.
Official Statements & Responses
Buckingham Palace issued an unprecedented statement, emphasizing that “His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory.” The palace did not directly deny the wording but framed Spencer’s recollection as potentially distorted by grief. No further comment was offered.
He added that he told “close friends and family” about the remark because it was “monstrous.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
A YouGov poll shows public opinion divided: 31 % believe Spencer, 36 % doubt the claim, and 33 % are unsure. Psychotherapist Nick Hatter notes that traumatic events can produce “distorted” memories, while historian Sir Anthony Seldon described the memoir as “sad and unnecessary,” questioning its timing. No audio recording of the 1997 call exists, and the palace’s response offers no factual refutation, leaving the dispute largely a matter of personal recollection.
Criticism & Opposition
Historian Sir Anthony Seldon called the book “a sad and unnecessary publication,” suggesting it adds little to historical understanding and may simply reignite old wounds.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I can tell you here and now, those are exactly the words he said.” — Earl Spencer, one palace official
- “Well, is he furious? Is he furious or is he embarrassed?” — Earl Spencer, one palace official
- “Unlike my other callers, who were stunned, barely able to articulate their condolences and offers of help, he sounded giddily elated – like a lottery winner, I remember thinking at the time.” — The Earl
- “His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory.” — palace spokesperson
What’s Next
*Swan Song* will be published on September 22, with extracts already appearing in the *Daily Mail*. The memoir is expected to generate further commentary from royal biographers and may prompt additional statements from the palace as the book’s full contents become public.