Full Breakdown
Spencer’s Memoir Sparks Royal Controversy
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 22 2026 the 9th Earl Spencer, Charles Spencer, published *Swan Song: Diana, My Sister*. The book also claims Spencer opposed the decision to have Princes William and Harry walk behind their mother’s coffin. The allegations have dominated headlines worldwide and provoked an unprecedented response from Buckingham Palace.
Background & Context
Diana, Princess of Wales, died in a Paris tunnel on August 31 1997, a year after her 1996 divorce from Charles. Spencer, who delivered a celebrated eulogy at her Westminster Abbey funeral on September 6 1997, has long criticized the royal household’s handling of his sister’s marriage and death. The memoir arrives ahead of the 30th anniversary of Diana’s death and follows Spencer’s repeated refusals to appear in documentaries about her.
Data & Statistics
- *Swan Song* was released in the United Kingdom on September 22 2026 and simultaneously in the United States.
- The book has been translated into 12 languages and is being published globally by Penguin Michael Joseph.
- Pre-release excerpts propelled the title to the top of Amazon’s bestseller list within a week of launch.
Official Statements & Responses
The palace stopped short of confirming or denying Spencer’s specific recollection, framing the dispute as a matter of memory.
On-the-Ground Reports
Public interest has been palpable. Outside a central London bookshop, 71-year-old Chris Imafidon said he bought a copy out of curiosity but doubted the credibility of the new allegations.
Criticism & Opposition
Piers Morgan, former Daily Mirror editor, has threatened legal action, calling Spencer’s claims “demonstrable lies” and insisting the photographs he is accused of publishing were printed before he joined the Mirror.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No independent verification of the phone call has been presented, leaving the factual basis of the exchange unresolved.
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.” — Buckingham Palace spokesperson
- “At heart, this is a brother's simple tribute to an extraordinary sister,” — Earl Spencer
- “Those are precisely the words he said.” — Charles Spencer
- “In an extract from his memoir of his sister, recounting his memories of the day, Earl Spencer said: "I could not get over how tiny, and slight, and bereft, Harry looked.” — Earl Spencer
- “Is he furious or is he embarrassed?” — Charles Spencer
- “There’s this perception in the media that I’m on Harry’s side. Well, I’m on my deceased sister’s sons’ side, both of them, and if either of them wanted anything, then I’d be equally there for them. I never get involved in one camp or the other, except as a benign figure, I hope.” — Charles Spencer