Palace Disputes Earl Spencer's Claims in Diana Book
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Palace in war of words with Earl Spencer over claims in Diana book
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Figure caption: Watch: 'Searing' palace response to Earl Spencer's claim in Diana book
By Sean Coughlan
Royal correspondent
Published 5 minutes ago
Buckingham Palace is engaged in a public dispute with Earl Spencer, the brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, over allegations made in an upcoming memoir about her life and death.
King Charles III is accused of making insensitive remarks to Earl Spencer following Diana's tragic passing in 1997, according to excerpts published in the Daily Mail. The Palace refutes these claims strongly, criticizing them for distorting memory and judgment clouded by grief.
"While we do not comment on books as a matter of principle, His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can... affect judgment and colour memory..."
This statement echoes Queen Elizabeth II's response in 2021 to accusations of racism made by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, where she remarked, "recollections may vary".
The dispute threatens to overshadow a significant day for the royal family, with multiple events and Prince Harry's return to the UK. Earl Spencer's book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, due for publication next week, promises to reopen old wounds by offering an insider's perspective on Diana's life and death from within her own family.
The book recounts Earl Spencer's insistence that Princes William and Harry should not participate in Diana's funeral procession, leading to what he claims was a torrent of anger from then-Prince Charles. According to the excerpt, Charles allegedly said, "Rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough".
The Palace rejects this claim, characterizing it as out of step with Charles' compassionate nature, especially during a period of intense grief for both him and Earl Spencer, who was left to raise their two young sons.
Multiple royal events are set to take place on the same day, adding to the drama surrounding the dispute. King Charles III is expected to address concerns about artificial intelligence at a meeting in Dumfries House, Ayrshire, where he will urge AI industry leaders to prevent it from becoming a destructive force.