New book by Princess Diana’s brother prompts war of words with King Charles III

A new book by Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer and brother of the late Princess Diana, has sparked a war of words with King Charles III, reigniting old wounds within the British royal family. Titled "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister," the book alleges that Prince Charles argued with Spencer over palace plans for William and Harry to walk behind their mother's coffin during her 1997 funeral.

Spencer claims he told Charles that Diana would not have wanted her sons to endure such an ordeal and that the prince "went ballistic" during the argument, saying, "Rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough." The book's publication has also led Buckingham Palace to respond with a strongly-worded statement, acknowledging the pain of fraternal grief can cloud judgment and affect memory.

Spencer has stood by his claims, questioning the royal rebuttal, asking if Charles is furious or embarrassed. The book draws renewed attention to Charles and Diana's stormy history, following their 1996 divorce and Charles's subsequent marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles. The Spencer family's tensions with the royals, particularly following Diana's death, have been dramatized in film and television.

Spencer's book also criticizes the royals for their treatment of his nephew Harry, describing his "tiny, slight, and bereft" appearance at his sister's funeral and lamenting the lack of "calm and nurture" from Diana. Spencer has defended writing the book, stating he wanted to share his own thoughts and memories about Diana, rather than relying on other opinions that he believes are based on falsehoods.

He also drew parallels between the media's treatment of his sister and the current relationship between the press and Harry and Meghan, stating that Diana was indeed "brought low" by criticism. The book will be published globally in 12 languages by Penguin Press.