Spencer’s Memoir Reignites Royal Feud Over 1997 Grief

Key points

• Earl Spencer’s memoir, 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister,' released in September 2026, contains five major claims regarding the royal family’s response to Princess Diana’s death in 1997.
• The most contentious allegation is that King Charles told Spencer, 'We'll forget her soon enough,' and appeared 'giddily elated' after the news of Diana’s car crash in Paris.
• Buckingham Palace rejected these claims, stating that 'grief can cloud reason' and that the conversation did not occur as described, though they acknowledged the pain of fraternal loss.
• Earl Spencer defended his account in a BBC interview, insisting he was 'hyper alert' to the conversation and that his memory is precise, despite the passage of 30 years.
• Public opinion is divided; a YouGov poll shows 31% believe Spencer, 36% doubt the claims, and 33% are unsure, reflecting a broader societal split on the royal family’s legacy.
• The book’s release coincides with the 30th anniversary of Diana’s death, threatening to undermine the Royal Household’s three decades of image rehabilitation efforts.

Background

The release of Earl Spencer’s memoir follows a period of heightened tension within the royal family, including the 2026 theft of Dutch-language copies from a truck in the Netherlands. Previous coverage highlighted Spencer’s claims that the late Queen Elizabeth II reacted 'tetchily' to the news of Diana’s crash. The current dispute is part of a long-standing narrative involving Prince Harry’s memoir 'Spare,' which also detailed unresolved tensions regarding Diana’s funeral and the monarchy’s institutional priorities.

How outlets are covering it

The Independent and CNN focus on the specific 'bombshell' claims within the book, emphasizing the five key allegations that have sparked the controversy. The BBC provides a broader historical context, noting that the 1997 events remain a 'raw wound' for the royals and that the public mood was 'febrile' at the time. While The Independent and CNN highlight the factual dispute, the BBC emphasizes the emotional and psychological aspects of grief, citing psychotherapist Nick Hatter’s view that memories can be distorted during traumatic events. All sources agree that the book has reopened old wounds, but they differ in their emphasis on the palace’s rebuttal versus the public’s divided opinion.

Why it matters

This dispute threatens to undermine the Royal Household’s three decades of work to rehabilitate King Charles and Queen Camilla’s image. As the 30th anniversary of Diana’s death approaches, the renewed focus on the 1997 events could reignite public dissatisfaction with the monarchy, particularly among those who view the royal family as lacking empathy. The polarized public opinion, as reflected in the YouGov poll, indicates that the legacy of Diana’s death remains a significant cultural and political issue in the UK.

What to watch

The full release of Earl Spencer’s memoir is expected to continue generating media coverage and public debate. The Royal Family may issue further statements or take legal action if the claims are deemed defamatory. The 30th anniversary of Diana’s death in 2027 will likely serve as a focal point for renewed scrutiny of the royal family’s history and public image.