Piers Morgan Threatens Legal Action Over Factual Errors in Earl Spencer’s Memoir

Key points

• Morgan states the gym photos were published by The Sunday Mirror in November 1993, two years before he joined The Daily Mirror in October 1995.
• The former CNN anchor claims he was working for The Sun, a rival publication, when the photos were released.
• Morgan demands the removal of the false claims and a donation to the King’s Trust.
• Earl Spencer’s book also alleges King Charles III said Diana would soon be forgotten, a claim Buckingham Palace has disputed.
• Deadline has contacted Penguin Random House for comment regarding the legal threat.

Background

This dispute follows the release of Earl Spencer’s memoir, 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister,' which has dominated UK headlines since late September 2026. The book contains allegations that King Charles III expressed contempt for Diana after her death, prompting a rare public response from Buckingham Palace stating that grief can cloud memory. Previous coverage noted that Spencer maintains his accounts are truthful despite royal pushback.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline and The Guardian both report that Morgan is suing based on verifiable factual errors, specifically the timeline of his employment versus the publication of the photos. The Independent focuses on Morgan’s broader argument that these errors cast doubt on the entire memoir. All sources agree that Morgan is using the legal threat to challenge the credibility of Spencer’s claims regarding King Charles III, though only Deadline mentions the specific demand for a donation to the King’s Trust.

Why it matters

The legal challenge could force a retraction or correction of the memoir, potentially undermining the narrative surrounding the royal family's response to Diana’s death. It highlights the tension between tabloid history and royal memoirs, and may influence public perception of the book's reliability.

What to watch

Morgan’s lawyers are expected to contact Earl Spencer and Penguin Random House. The publisher has been contacted for comment. The outcome may depend on whether the factual errors are deemed significant enough to warrant legal action or if they are treated as minor inaccuracies in a larger narrative.