Charles Spencer to do a Meghan Markle with Althorp jam

Charles Spencer is following in Meghan Markle's footsteps by registering his Althorp brand for a variety of food and drink products, reports The Sun. The 62-year-old Earl of Spencer is considering expanding the commercial potential of his family's historic Althorp estate in Northamptonshire, days after releasing his critical Princess Diana memoir, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister.

The Intellectual Property Office records indicate that Spencer's Althorp brand encompasses a wide array of food, drink, and retail items associated with the Spencer name. This move comes as the Duchess of Sussex continues to grow her lifestyle business around similar products, including jams, honey, wine, and other lifestyle items.

The development suggests that Spencer is planning a venture that would draw a personal connection to the estate, where Princess Diana was buried after her tragic death in 1997. Spencer is currently experiencing a challenging period following the publication of his memoir, which has sparked a heated public dispute over his account of Diana's life and death.

The memoir has led to allegations against King Charles, including claims that the then-Prince of Wales sounded "giddily elated" upon learning of Diana's death and later told him, "Rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough." Buckingham Palace responded by publicly challenging Spencer's account, stating that His Majesty is aware that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason and affect judgment.

Despite the controversy, Spencer has remained steadfast in his recollection of events and has not written the book as an attack on the King. The context of Spencer's memoir, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Diana's death, prompted him to record his memories from his perspective.