Spencer's 'Swan Song' Reignites Royal Rift with Charles

Key points

• Earl Spencer, 62, published 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister' on Tuesday, marking his final public statement on his sister's legacy.
• The memoir claims Prince Charles (now King Charles III) reacted to Diana's 1997 death with elation, potentially anticipating freedom to marry Camilla Parker Bowles.
• Spencer alleges Charles shouted 'We'll forget her soon enough' after a dispute over whether Princes Harry and William should walk behind their mother's coffin.
• Buckingham Palace did not directly deny the quotes but stated that grief can 'cloud reason' and 'color memory' for those who lost a sibling.
• Spencer described the royal family's treatment of Diana as callous, noting that the Spencers were expected to 'fall in line' with funeral plans despite the divorce.
• The book includes unflattering details about Diana's stepmother, Raine Spencer, and her personal struggles with self-doubt and eating disorders.

Background

This release follows a period of heightened royal scrutiny, including King Charles's cancer diagnosis and the return of Harry and Meghan to Britain. Spencer previously warned that Harry and Meghan's media treatment echoed Diana's experience. The book's release was preceded by the theft of Dutch-language copies in the Netherlands and a BBC interview where Spencer called the book his 'swan song.'

How outlets are covering it

The New York Times emphasizes the 'incendiary' nature of the book, comparing it to Prince Harry's 2023 memoir 'Spare' and highlighting the vitriol directed at King Charles. The BBC provides a broader analysis, noting that while the book focuses on settling scores with the royals, it also serves as an elegy for Diana's lost childhood and a critique of the monarchy's 'nonsense of fawning.' The BBC notes that Spencer's account aligns with previous private comments he made to royal reporter Richard Kay, whereas the NYT focuses on the public clash and the King's office's defensive statement. Both outlets agree the book is a significant cultural event, but the BBC highlights the personal grief and irritation Spencer felt watching Diana become 'royal property,' while the NYT focuses on the political fallout and the 'gaslighting' accusation from Spencer.

Why it matters

The memoir challenges the official narrative of the royal family's handling of Diana's death and funeral, potentially damaging King Charles's reputation at a time of health concerns and internal family strife. It also highlights the enduring rift between the Spencer and Windsor families, suggesting that the 'hatchet job' may have long-term implications for royal public relations and the legacy of the late Princess of Wales.

What to watch

The book is expected to remain a bestseller, with continued public debate over the accuracy of Spencer's claims. The 30th anniversary of Diana's death is approaching, which may lead to further media coverage and potential documentaries, though Spencer has stated this is his final word on the subject. The royal family may face increased scrutiny regarding their historical treatment of Diana and the Spencer family.