Spencer's 'Swan Song' Book Reignites Royal Feud, Drawing Palace Rebuke and William's Betrayal

Key points

• Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, released 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister' last week, claiming he opposed King Charles III’s decision to have William and Harry walk behind their mother’s casket in 1997.
• Spencer alleged that Charles told him, 'Rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough,' and described the King as 'giddily elated' after Diana’s death, claims Buckingham Palace rejected by stating grief can 'cloud reason' and 'color memory.'
• Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield told Page Six that Prince William feels a 'sense of betrayal' because Spencer had publicly promised at Diana’s funeral that the 'blood family' would protect the princes.
• Fox News reports that both King Charles and Prince William are 'furious,' but for different reasons: Charles sees it as character assassination, while William views it as an attack on the institution he will inherit.
• Page Six and Tom Sykes report that Prince Harry is 'wooing' Spencer, potentially to secure his involvement in a documentary about Diana, while William has declined to participate in any such projects.

Background

This dispute follows a period of heightened tension between the royal brothers. In August 2026, Prince Harry returned to the UK, rekindling concerns about the rift with William, which began in 2020. In September 2026, William and Charles reportedly aligned in their view that the Sussexes are not representing the Crown. Additionally, William recently rejected invitations to participate in Diana tribute films, citing a desire to avoid public confrontation with Harry, who is independently developing a documentary ahead of the 30th anniversary of Diana’s death in 2027.

How outlets are covering it

Page Six and Fox News emphasize the emotional impact on Prince William, framing the book as a betrayal of a familial promise and a threat to the monarchy he will inherit. CBS News highlights Spencer’s defense, where he told Gayle King that Buckingham Palace is attempting to 'gaslight' him by questioning his memory. Fox News also cites author Christopher Andersen, who disputes Spencer’s account, stating that his 1997 interviews with witnesses described Charles as 'crushed' and 'devastated' by Diana’s death, not elated. Town & Country focuses on the broader PR challenge for the royal family, while Page Six notes the contrasting reactions: Charles is angry at the character attack, while William is frustrated by the reopening of traumatic childhood events.

Why it matters

The release of 'Swan Song' threatens to destabilize the royal family at a critical time, potentially undermining the monarchy’s public image just as Prince William prepares to assume the throne. It also highlights the ongoing fracture between the royal branches, with Prince Harry’s potential collaboration with Spencer contrasting sharply with Prince William’s refusal to engage in similar projects. The dispute risks reigniting public scrutiny of the King’s character and the family’s internal dynamics, complicating efforts to move past the legacy of Princess Diana.

What to watch

Buckingham Palace is expected to continue its non-engagement strategy, as a spokesperson told Fox News they have no comment. Prince William’s representatives have not yet responded to Page Six’s request for comment. The situation may escalate if Prince Harry’s rumored documentary with Spencer moves forward, potentially creating a public platform for the conflicting narratives. The 30th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death in August 2027 will likely serve as a focal point for further media attention and potential confrontations between the royal branches.