Spencer's 'Swan Song' Backfires as Factual Errors and Legal Threats Undermine Royal Claims

Key points

• Spencer's book 'Swan Song' contains allegations that King Charles was 'giddily elated' after Diana's death in 1997.
• A factual error claiming Piers Morgan was editor of the Daily Mirror in 1993 led to a public apology from Spencer.
• Piers Morgan has threatened legal action against Spencer and his publishers over 'demonstrable lies.'
• The book's price has been slashed at major retailers, including Waterstones and TGJones.
• The Palace has chosen not to engage in a prolonged public fight, believing the book's errors speak for themselves.

Background

The book was released on September 22, 2026, following weeks of pre-release excerpts that prompted a rare public response from Buckingham Palace. The Palace had previously stated that 'fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory.' The memoir is Spencer's second, following his first memoir about surviving boarding school, and is described as an extended eulogy for his sister.

How outlets are covering it

StyleCaster reports that King Charles and Prince William are 'having the last laugh' as the book's credibility is undermined by factual errors and legal threats. The Washington Post provides a detailed review, noting that while the book offers new revelations, its portrayal of Charles as a 'bellowing buffoon' is historically questionable. The Conversation frames the book as a 'scathing' critique of the royal family and tabloid media, but acknowledges that the memoir is 'only another interpretation' and that Spencer's grievances may overshadow the loving tribute he intended to write. All three sources agree that the book has sparked significant controversy, but they differ in their emphasis: StyleCaster focuses on the royal family's perceived victory, The Washington Post on the book's content and historical accuracy, and The Conversation on the broader implications for Diana's legacy and the role of the press.

Why it matters

The controversy surrounding 'Swan Song' highlights the ongoing tension between the royal family and those who seek to challenge their narrative. The book's failure to gain traction, due to factual errors and legal threats, suggests that the royal family may have successfully managed the public perception of the memoir. The incident also raises questions about the accuracy of memoirs and the role of fact-checking in publishing. The legal action threatened by Piers Morgan could set a precedent for how public figures respond to alleged inaccuracies in published works.

What to watch

Piers Morgan is expected to pursue legal action against Spencer and his publishers. The book's price may continue to drop as sales decline. The royal family may continue to avoid a direct public fight, relying on the controversy to undermine the book's credibility. Spencer may face further scrutiny over other claims in the book, as the factual error has raised questions about the accuracy of the entire memoir.