Spencer's 'Swan Song' memoir reignites royal feud over Diana's death

Key points

• Charles Spencer's memoir, 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister,' is set for public release on Tuesday, following excerpts published in the Daily Mail.
• Spencer claims King Charles sounded 'giddily elated' and 'like a lottery winner' upon learning of Diana's death in a Paris car crash in August 1997.
• The earl alleges Charles said 'we'll forget her soon enough' during a phone call regarding funeral arrangements for Princes William and Harry.
• Buckingham Palace issued a statement suggesting 'fraternal grief' can cloud judgment and memory, which Spencer described as 'gaslighting.'
• Spencer stated he has 'never got over' his sister's death and views the book as a final tribute before stepping away from public commentary.
• The memoir also addresses the 1995 Panorama interview, claiming it left Diana vulnerable and unable to trust others, potentially contributing to her death.

Background

This controversy follows a series of earlier reports in September 2026 regarding Spencer's book. Previous coverage noted that excerpts published in the Daily Mail sparked immediate backlash from Buckingham Palace. The dispute echoes the 1997 backlash over Diana's death and resonates with Prince Harry's 2021 memoir 'Spare,' which also detailed royal family tensions. The current dispute highlights enduring rifts within the royal family regarding the handling of grief and public trust.

How outlets are covering it

The Independent and BBC emphasize the emotional weight of Spencer's claims, focusing on his statement that he has 'never got over' Diana's death and his characterization of the book as a 'final take.' The BBC highlights Spencer's defense that he was acting as an 'eyewitness to history.' NBC News focuses on the legal and relational aspect, framing the palace's response as 'gaslighting' and noting the lack of public comment from Princes William and Harry. USA Today provides historical context through photo galleries, contrasting the current dispute with the couple's public appearances in the 1980s and 1990s. While all outlets agree on the core allegations, they differ in emphasis: The Independent and BBC focus on the personal grief and historical record, while NBC News focuses on the power dynamic and the palace's defensive stance.

Why it matters

The dispute threatens to further fracture the royal family, particularly between King Charles and his nephews, Princes William and Harry. It raises questions about the monarchy's ability to manage public perception and internal conflicts. The renewed focus on Diana's death and the 1995 Panorama interview may also impact public trust in the institution. Spencer's comments on the treatment of Harry and Meghan by the press suggest a broader critique of the media's role in royal scandals.

What to watch

The full release of 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister' is scheduled for Tuesday. A BBC interview with Earl Spencer is set to air on Sunday. Buckingham Palace has declined to comment further on the allegations. There is no public comment from Princes William and Harry, but the dispute may influence their relationship with the King and each other. The Ravec committee is expected to reconsider police protection for Prince Harry and Meghan, as mentioned by Spencer.