Story perspectives

Earl Spencer’s Memoir Claims Prince Charles Elated After Diana Death

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 6:10 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, released the memoir “Swan Song: Diana, My Sister”.
He alleges Prince Charles sounded giddily elated, like a lottery winner, on the morning Diana died.
He reports Diana claimed Prince Charles was in love with his valet before filing for divorce.
Buckingham Palace issued a rare statement that grief can cloud judgment and memory years later.

History

Historical Context

In 1992 Queen Elizabeth II labeled the year an ‘annus horribilis’ after Diana’s Panorama interview drew 13 million viewers, a 68 % public sympathy poll, and a Windsor Castle fire. The turmoil shattered the monarchy’s model-family image, a legacy Charles Spencer revisits in his new memoir, showing how past scandals still shape royal public-relations.

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Story summary

Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, released the memoir “Swan Song: Diana, My Sister”.
He alleges Prince Charles sounded giddily elated, like a lottery winner, on the morning Diana died.
He reports Diana claimed Prince Charles was in love with his valet before filing for divorce.
Buckingham Palace issued a rare statement that grief can cloud judgment and memory years later.

1 / 2