Charles Spencer’s new memoir, Swan Song, has reignited tensions with the British Royal Family following claims that then-Prince Charles sounded “giddily elated” during a phone call after Princess Diana’s death in 1997. The book, released ahead of the 30th anniversary of Diana’s passing next year, details the turbulent end of the royal marriage, subsequent media scrutiny, and deep fractures within the family over funeral arrangements.
Memoir Claims and Royal Reactions
In Swan Song: Diana, my sister, Charles Spencer recounts receiving condolences from many people following the fatal car crash in Paris, highlighting a phone conversation with the current King that he found jarringly upbeat. According to Spencer, the then-Prince of Wales sounded “completely different to everyone else… sort of buoyant… upbeat.”
The book also details an argument between Spencer and Charles regarding plans for Princes William and Harry to walk behind their mother’s coffin in the funeral cortege. Spencer states he told Charles the procession was an ordeal Diana would not have wanted for her sons, prompting an angry outburst from the royal. Spencer claims Charles shouted before stating, “We’ll forget her soon enough,” causing Spencer to hang up.
Buckingham Palace issued a statement addressing the allegations earlier in the month, noting, “While we do not comment on books as a matter of principle, His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory in ways others do not recognize, even many years after such a loss.” Spencer countered that response during an interview with CBC Radio’s The Current, characterizing the palace’s position as “classic gaslighting” intended to undermine his reliability.
Motivations Behind the Publication
Addressing criticism that the memoir is an attempt to settle old scores, Spencer told CBC Radio that the project is not driven by revenge. “I could have written something much more devastating,” Spencer said, describing the text as a considered version intended to present a complete account of his sister’s life. He explained that constant interview requests leading up to the upcoming 30th anniversary prompted him to share his perspective.
The memoir covers Diana’s life from her 1981 marriage to Charles through their 1992 separation, 1996 divorce, and her subsequent philanthropic work and humanitarian campaigns. The publication arrives as public polling shows King Charles maintaining a 62% positive rating against a 31% negative view, while Queen Camilla holds an even split of 43% positive and 44% negative views among the British public.
Public Sentiment and Anniversary Outlook
With the 30th anniversary approaching in August, royal commentators anticipate an increase in media coverage surrounding Diana’s legacy. Prince Harry has reportedly discussed various commemorative projects, while Prince William previously indicated in a 2017 ITV documentary that he and his brother would not speak as openly or publicly about their mother again.
Despite efforts by the royal household to move past historical controversies, the return of Diana’s narrative through memoirs and television dramatizations continues to present public relations challenges. Observers note that while the Palace successfully handled initial pushback regarding the book's factual accuracy and criticism from allies, the broader cultural focus on Diana's enduring legacy remains a sensitive issue for the monarchy.
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