Spencer Memoir Sparks Royal Feud and Legal Threats Over Diana’s Legacy
Charles Spencer’s new memoir, 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister,' has ignited a fierce dispute with the British royal family and media figures. The book, released on September 22, 2026, alleges that King Charles III was 'giddily elated' by Diana’s 1997 death and that he was not in love with her before their marriage. While Spencer aims to defend his sister’s memory, the memoir has drawn a lawsuit from Piers Morgan and a formal rebuttal from Buckingham Palace, which claims grief may have clouded Spencer’s judgment.
Key points
- Charles Spencer’s memoir, 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister,' was released on September 22, 2026, nearly 30 years after Princess Diana’s death.
- The book alleges that King Charles III was 'giddily elated' by Diana’s 1997 death and that he was not in love with her before their marriage.
- Buckingham Palace has dismissed these claims as distortions caused by grief, while Spencer argues his account is a factual record of a callous reaction.
- The memoir has drawn a lawsuit from Piers Morgan over factual errors and sparked a public dispute with the royal family.
Background
Charles Spencer’s new memoir, 'Swan Song,' has reignited a bitter feud with King Charles III by alleging the late monarch was callous and even 'giddily elated' after Princess Diana’s 1997 death. Spencer claims Charles said 'we'll forget her soon enough' during a phone call, a statement Buckingham Palace has dismissed as a distortion caused by grief. While the book offers a personal perspective on Diana’s life and the royal family's dynamics, it has drawn sharp criticism from the palace and sparked debate over the reliability of memory versus official denials.
How outlets are covering it
Town & Country emphasizes the broader PR challenge facing the royal family regarding Princess Diana’s legacy, while The Guardian focuses on the specific allegations and the legal backlash from Piers Morgan. Both outlets agree that the memoir has reignited a bitter feud with King Charles III, but they differ in their emphasis on the personal versus the public impact of the book.
Why it matters
The memoir’s release has sparked a public dispute over the reliability of memory versus official denials, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the Spencer family and the royal family. It also raises questions about the role of personal narratives in shaping public perception of historical figures and events.
What to watch
The legal battle with Piers Morgan and the ongoing debate over the memoir’s claims will likely continue to dominate the news cycle. The royal family may issue further statements or take legal action to address the allegations, while public opinion may shift depending on the outcome of the legal proceedings.
- Earl Spencer’s Book Rocked the Royals, But the Bigger PR Challenge Is Still Ahead townandcountrymag.com
- As the dust settles on Earl Spencer’s book, what will Harry do next? The Times
- ‘And you will be the People’s Earl’ – Charles Spencer’s Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, digested by John Crace The Guardian
- Princess Diana’s Legacy Still Looms Over King Charles WSJ
- Charles Spencer Reveals the 1 Regret He Has About His Sister, Princess Diana (Exclusive) People.com
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