Explosive memoir by late Princess Diana’s brother goes on sale

Nearly three decades following Princess Diana's untimely demise in a Paris car accident in 1997, her life continues to captivate public interest. "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister," a memoir penned by Diana's younger brother, has been released by Penguin and translated into 12 languages. However, early excerpts released in the British tabloid Daily Mail have incited sensational headlines.

Spencer asserts his intent to "speak on Diana’s behalf" and dispel "untruths that have become accepted over time." Charles, Diana's former husband and now King, allegedly told Spencer over the phone shortly after Diana's passing: "Rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough." Diana's sudden death at the age of 36 elicited widespread mourning in Britain, dubbing her "the people’s princess."

Rumors surfaced that King Charles, upon learning of her death, appeared "giddily elated" and later "went ballistic" after insisting Diana would not have wanted her children, princes William and Harry, to walk behind her coffin. In response to Buckingham Palace's implied criticism of Spencer's grief potentially clouding his recollection, Spencer staunchly denied being "gaslit by the king."

He also criticized the palace's response to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's allegations of royal racism, comparing it to a "rather poor imitation." Spencer's memoir delves into Diana's contemplation of suicide, her drive down to the infamous Beachy Head cliffs, and her suspicion that Charles was "in love with his valet." Royal experts have disputed some of the book's claims, with biographers accusing Spencer of portraying Charles as "distraught and in tears" during the funeral, while historian Andrew Morton called Spencer's assertions about the phone call "incendiary and disputed."

Despite the controversy, Spencer, now 62, maintains his commitment to support Diana's sons, Prince William and Harry, having inherited Althorp, their ancestral home.