Always on his majesty’s side, Badenoch backs King Charles in memoir row

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has expressed her unwavering support for King Charles in a recent dispute over claims made by Earl Spencer in his upcoming memoir, "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister." Badenoch, in an interview with the BBC, stated that she is "always on the side of His Majesty." The memoir, being serialised by the Daily Mail, contains several allegations about Charles and his relationship with Princess Diana.

Spencer claims that Charles told him "Rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough" days after Diana's death in 1997, and that the King was "giddily elated" upon hearing about her demise. Badenoch acknowledged the allegations, citing Buckingham Palace's statement and noting that the King is aware of the potential for memory distortion and grief to affect judgment.

Spencer has defended his claims, insisting that he was "telling the truth" about what he said Charles told him. Buckingham Palace has maintained a hands-off approach, stating that they do not comment on books "as a matter of principle," but affirmed that the King acknowledged the potential for memory and grief to distort recollections.

Former royal correspondent Charles Rae expressed shock and astonishment at Spencer's allegations, questioning how the then-Prince of Wales could have made such comments considering his known grief over Diana's death.