Extended interview: Charles Spencer on Princess Diana
In his first interview about his new book, "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister," Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, sits down at his ancestral estate Althorp with correspondent Mark Phillips to talk about Princess Diana, and why he sought to write the definitive story of her life. He also discusses the royals' relationship to Diana, and then-Prince Charles' reaction to her death in 1997.
Earl Spencer defended his claims about King Charles in a BBC interview, stating that his book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, was his duty as an eyewitness to history. The memoir, set for release on Tuesday, includes criticism of the King and coverage of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
During an argument over whether Princes William and Harry should walk in Diana's funeral procession, Earl Spencer claims King Charles said "we'll forget her soon enough" during the discussion. In response, Buckingham Palace stated that the King was mindful of the pain of fraternal grief and its potential impact on memory.
Earl Spencer recounted how he learned of Princess Diana's death in South Africa, initially from his sister Lady Jane Fellowes. He described the escalating distress of her calls as the severity of her injuries became clear. Prince Charles reportedly broke the news to Princes William and Harry at Balmoral Castle, with Earl Spencer noting a "giddy tone" in the prince's voice that seemed to lessen the gravity of the situation.
The earl compared this tone to that of a "lottery winner" and suggested that Prince Charles' reaction might have been influenced by his future marriage to Queen Camilla. When asked if he could be certain of this, Earl Spencer replied that he could not be entirely sure, but that this was his assumption based on the prince's tone.
Earl Spencer also revealed he had discussed funeral arrangements with a palace official, who confirmed that it had been agreed Princes William and Harry should walk behind their mother's coffin. He disagreed with this decision, as he felt it was not what his sister would have wanted.
In the interview, Earl Spencer stated that Prince Charles' comment "we'll forget her soon enough" was precisely what he had heard, and he promised to stand by this claim. He also promised to reveal the same words when speaking with people close to him.
When asked if Princes William and Harry might be upset by these revelations nearly 30 years later, Earl Spencer acknowledged that their reactions "will not be a surprise." He defended his decision to include these allegations in the book, explaining that they were a "brother's tribute" and a "loving tribute" to his sister, with the goal of providing honesty and celebrating her legacy.
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