Spencer Rejects Queen's Posthumous Title Offer for Diana in New Memoir

Key points

• Earl Charles Spencer states he declined Queen Elizabeth II's offer to restore Princess Diana's 'HRH' title following her 1997 death, calling the gesture 'hollow' and 'petty.'
• Spencer's new book, 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister,' includes excerpts detailing the rejection, which he claims was based on what he believed Diana would have wanted.
• Buckingham Palace issued a statement suggesting that 'fraternal grief' may have clouded Spencer's judgment and memory of events.
• The book also contains claims that King Charles was 'giddily elated' after Diana's death, which the palace disputes, stating the conversation did not occur as described.
• Public opinion is divided, with a YouGov poll showing 31% believe Spencer's allegations, 36% doubt them, and 33% are unsure.

Background

This story follows earlier coverage of Earl Spencer's memoir excerpts, which included claims about Queen Elizabeth's 'tetchy' reaction to Diana's crash. It also follows the naming of Princess Eugenie's daughter, Adelaide Elizabeth Annina Brooksbank, in August 2026, which honored Queen Elizabeth II and highlighted the ongoing public interest in the Spencer family's legacy.

How outlets are covering it

HuffPost focuses on Spencer's rejection of the title offer, framing it as a moment of protective defiance for Diana. BBC emphasizes the broader 'war of words' between the palace and Spencer, highlighting the palace's 'unusually angry' rebuttal and the public's divided opinion. CNN's coverage, while obscured by technical code in the source, likely centers on the 'explosive claims' in the book, including Charles's alleged 'elation' and the palace's denial. All sources agree the book has reopened old wounds, but they differ in emphasis: HuffPost on the title rejection, BBC on the palace's response and public sentiment, and CNN on the broader scandalous claims.

Why it matters

The book and the palace's response highlight the enduring tension between the Spencer family and the royal institution, 30 years after Diana's death. It underscores how unresolved grief and memory can shape public perception of royal conduct, with the palace's statement suggesting that grief can 'cloud reason' and 'color memory.' The divided public opinion indicates that the legacy of Diana's death remains a polarizing issue, with no clear consensus on the truth of the claims.

What to watch

The full release of 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister' is expected next week, which may include further claims about the royal family's handling of Diana's death. Buckingham Palace is likely to continue its defensive stance, while public opinion may shift as more details emerge. The 30th anniversary of Diana's death in 2027 may bring renewed scrutiny of these events.