Full Breakdown
Prince Charles Spencer’s “Swan Song” memoir: claims, clarifications, and royal reactions
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Release and central claims
On September 22, 2026 the 9th Earl Spencer published *Swan Song: Diana, My Sister*. The memoir alleges that King Charles III reacted “giddily elated” to Diana’s fatal crash, told Spencer the family would “forget her soon enough,” and that security concerns made the Garden House on the Spencer estate unsuitable after her 1996 divorce. Spencer stresses that his nephew, Prince Harry, had no role in writing the book.
Background & Context
Spencer has long resisted profiting from his sister’s legacy. In a 1998 interview he said he would “never profit from Diana’s death.” The book follows his eulogy at Westminster Abbey and marks his first extensive public discussion of Diana in decades.
Key Figures & Groups
- Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer – author, brother of Princess Diana.
- Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex – nephew; Spencer says Harry was “completely fine” with the book.
- King Charles III – subject of the alleged reaction.
- Prince William – mentioned in the memoir; no comment recorded.
- Buckingham Palace – issued a statement defending the monarch’s memory.
Official Statements & Responses
Spencer told CBS Mornings that only his wife, Cat Jarman, and the publishers knew about the manuscript until shortly before release. Earlier in the month, King Charles III denied the portrayal of his reaction, calling the allegations “untrue.”
Criticism & Opposition
The memoir has provoked sharp criticism. Media commentator Piers Morgan threatened legal action after the book alleged a “bald-faced” lie involving him, prompting Spencer to apologize for a factual error. Some observers have labeled Spencer a “hypocrite” for publishing a commercially successful book after previously insisting he would never profit from his sister’s death.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Could I have done more to help her with her public life? I probably could,” — Charles Spencer
- “The local police went around there with me and they said, they just couldn’t protect William and Harry,” — Charles Spencer
- “Unlike some journalists…I’m very happy to acknowledge I’ve made a small error,” — Earl Spencer (TownandCountry)
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No source directly contradicts Spencer’s claim that Prince Harry had no involvement in the memoir’s creation. The monarch’s denial remains the only opposing account to the book’s allegations about his reaction.
What’s Next
Prince Harry is in talks to produce a documentary commemorating the 30th anniversary of Diana’s passing and is reportedly seeking Spencer’s participation. No official timeline has been announced.