Spencer Apologizes to Morgan Over Gym Photo Error in Diana Memoir

Key points

• Earl Spencer issued an apology for an error in his memoir Swan Song, admitting he was wrong about Piers Morgan publishing gym photos of Princess Diana.
• Morgan demonstrated that the photos were published by The Sunday Mirror in November 1993, while he did not join The Daily Mirror until October 1995.
• Morgan stated on his YouTube show that the error undermines Spencer's credibility and threatened to sue for the removal of the false claims.
• Spencer's representative confirmed the apology but insisted that Spencer's recollection of a 1997 phone call with Morgan, in which he was told he was not welcome at Diana's funeral, was accurate.
• The dispute follows broader controversy over Spencer's allegations that King Charles III said Diana would soon be forgotten, which Buckingham Palace dismissed as grief clouding memory.

Background

This development follows the release of Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, which has dominated UK headlines with allegations against King Charles III. Earlier coverage noted that Buckingham Palace pushed back against these claims, suggesting that fraternal grief could affect Spencer's judgment. The current dispute adds a new layer to the controversy, shifting focus from royal family dynamics to the accuracy of the memoir's claims regarding media figures.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline and The Guardian both report that Morgan is pursuing legal action and demanding a donation to the King's Trust, emphasizing the credibility of the gym photo timeline. The Guardian highlights Morgan's argument that if Spencer is wrong about basic facts regarding him, his other claims should be questioned. Yahoo's coverage focuses on the threat of a lawsuit, framing the situation as a dispute over 'fabricated inaccuracies.' All sources agree that Spencer has apologized for the specific error but maintains the accuracy of his other recollections, particularly regarding the 1997 phone call.

Why it matters

The apology highlights the fragility of memoirs based on memory, especially when they make defamatory claims. It also raises questions about the credibility of Spencer's other allegations against the royal family, potentially weakening his position in the ongoing dispute with Buckingham Palace. For Morgan, it is a victory in defending his reputation, but the threat of a lawsuit suggests the conflict may not be fully resolved.

What to watch

It is not yet clear if Morgan will accept the apology or proceed with legal action. Spencer's publisher, Penguin Random House, has been contacted for comment. The outcome of this dispute may influence public perception of the memoir's other claims, particularly those regarding King Charles III.