‘Swan Song’: Princess Diana’s story, told by her brother, set for September release

Three decades after delivering a eulogy for his sister Princess Diana, Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, is set to release his memoir, "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister," on September 22. Penguin Press will release the book simultaneously in the United States and Canada, with translations in 12 languages. The announcement coincides with the 30th anniversary of Princess Diana's death.

Spencer, who was 33 when he gave a tribute at Westminster Abbey in 1997, revealed that he has been flooded with interview requests regarding his sister, prompting him to write down his own memories and thoughts. The memoir aims to chronicle their shared childhood at the Spencer family estate, where they called each other "Duch" and "Carlos." It will also cover the challenges of boarding schools, terrifying nannies, and their parents' divorce.

Spencer, who worked as an NBC News correspondent from 1986 to 1995, has written nine books, with his previous memoir, "A Very Private School," being a Sunday Times bestseller. The new book will delve into how Diana's marriage to the Prince of Wales, now King Charles III, transformed her into a global icon. Spencer plans to document her humanitarian work, devotion to her sons, and the relentless media scrutiny during the breakdown of her royal marriage.

He hopes the book will resonate with those who still cherish Diana's memory and provide insight to those too young to remember her in her heyday. Daniel Bunyard, publisher at Penguin Michael Joseph, described the book as "a book of historic importance" that offers a candid, moving, and beautifully written tribute to the iconic Princess Diana.