Spencer’s 'Swan Song' Memoir Reignites Royal Rift Over 1997 Claims

Key points

• Earl Spencer claims King Charles said 'we'll forget her soon enough' during a 1997 phone call about Diana’s funeral.
• Buckingham Palace stated that 'fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and color memory,' rejecting the specific quote.
• Spencer described the Palace’s response as 'gaslighting' and insisted he is 'telling the truth' about the conversation.
• The memoir 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister' was released on Tuesday, with Spencer calling it his 'final word' on his sister.
• Spencer compared the current press treatment of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to the 'cancerous' scrutiny Diana faced.

Background

This dispute follows earlier coverage in September 2026 where Spencer first detailed these claims in BBC interviews and book excerpts. Previous reports noted that the Palace had already pushed back on the 'giddily elated' characterization of Charles after Diana’s death. The current conflict marks the public release of the full memoir, shifting the debate from pre-publication excerpts to a formal rebuttal from the monarchy.

How outlets are covering it

BBC and CNN present the core facts of the dispute, highlighting Spencer’s defense of his memory and the Palace’s denial. NBC News emphasizes the 'gaslighting' accusation, framing the Palace’s statement as an attempt to make Spencer doubt his own reality. While all sources agree on the timeline and the specific quote in question, they differ in emphasis: BBC focuses on Spencer’s emotional state and his support for a 'modern monarchy,' CNN provides background on Spencer’s relationship with the royal family, and NBC highlights the legal and psychological implications of the Palace’s response. No source reports on a direct response from Princes William or Harry, though CNN notes the potential impact on their relationship.

Why it matters

The dispute tests the boundaries of royal protocol and historical accountability, as a senior family member publicly challenges the King’s character decades after a national tragedy. It also highlights ongoing tensions within the royal family, particularly regarding the treatment of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and raises questions about the reliability of memory in high-stakes public disputes.

What to watch

The full book is now available for public purchase. Buckingham Palace has declined to comment further on the additional allegations in the memoir. The Royal Family will continue public duties, with King Charles recently attending an AI summit in Scotland. There is no indication of a formal legal response from the Palace, but the dispute may influence future royal communications regarding historical events.