Full Breakdown
Charles Spencer’s “Swan Song” — New Memoir Rekindles Royal Controversy
By Drooid · · How we work
The memoir’s explosive core claims
Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, released his memoir *Swan Song: Diana, My Sister* on September 22. The book alleges that, in a heated phone call six days after Princess Diana’s death, Prince Charles told Spencer, “Rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough.” Spencer says Queen Elizabeth II offered to restore Diana’s “HRH” title on the day of her funeral, August 6, 1997, but he rejected it as a “consolation prize.” He also recounts Diana’s drives to Beachy Head and a lunchtime confession that her husband was “in love with his valet.”
Historical backdrop and family ties
Diana married Prince Charles on July 29 1980; the marriage dissolved in 1996. Spencer, three years younger, delivered the eulogy at Diana’s funeral on September 6 1997. The Spencer family estate, Althorp, has long been linked to the royal household, and the brothers’ relationship has featured public disputes over Diana’s treatment.
Official statements & royal response
The palace declined to comment on the book’s specifics, citing a principle of non-comment on published works.
Criticism and opposition
Royal commentator Victoria Arbiter flagged factual inaccuracies, warning that “when you have inaccurate comments, that calls into question the validity of the rest of the text.” She also challenged Spencer’s portrayal of Prince William’s grief as secondary to Harry’s. Piers Morgan threatened legal action over claims that he was involved in “stolen” images of Diana, calling the allegation “all bulls**t.” Spencer later apologised for a date error, saying it will be corrected in future editions.
Conflicting reports & gaps
Australian outlet Nine says the book is “now available in Australia,” while the Date Ledger listed September 22 as a scheduled release, suggesting it had not yet hit shelves at the time of reporting. Some outlets quote Spencer’s claim that Charles said he would “forget her soon enough,” whereas the palace’s statement implies the king’s recollection may differ. No independent audio record of the alleged phone call exists.
Verbatim quotes
- “Rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough.” — Charles Spencer
- “When you have inaccurate comments, that calls into question the validity of the rest of the text,” — Victoria Arbiter
What’s next
The memoir’s launch coincides with the approaching 30th anniversary of Diana’s death, a period that may prompt renewed public and media scrutiny of the royal family’s handling of the tragedy. Spencer has indicated future printings will amend the identified factual error, but no further statements from Buckingham Palace are scheduled.