Earl Charles Spencer’s controversial memoir Swan Song: Diana, My Sister alleges Prince Charles was ‘giddily elated’ at Princess Diana’s death and sought to marry Camilla Parker Bowles sooner.
Earl Charles Spencer’s upcoming memoir Swan Song: Diana, My Sister has ignited controversy within the British royal family, with Prince William and Prince Harry avoiding public comment on its revelations. The book, scheduled for release on 22 September, alleges that then-Prince Charles was “giddily elated” at Diana’s death in 1997 and prioritized marrying Camilla Parker Bowles over mourning his ex-spouse.
Allegations and Palace Rebuttal
Spencer’s memoir, based on excerpts shared with The Daily Mail, asserts that Charles said he sounded giddily elated – like a lottery winner upon learning of Diana’s death, suggesting he viewed her passing as a way to be free to marry Camilla. The book also accuses the then-prince of dismissing the emotional toll on William and Harry, who were 15 and 12 at the time, by insisting they walk behind Diana’s coffin.
His Majesty said that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss, according to Hellomagazine. The Palace also highlighted that Diana’s funeral arrangements were taken off the Earl’s family by an ‘entitled’ Prince Charles, reflecting tensions over her legacy.
Princes’ Silence and Media Pressure
Despite the book’s explosive content, Prince William and Prince Harry have not publicly addressed its claims. 24UR reported that the princes avoided questions about the memoir during recent public appearances, with Harry dismissing inquiries at a London event and William offering no comment at a cinema visit. The article noted that the royal family is adhering to a strict protocol of non-response to avoid further damaging the monarchy’s reputation.
The secrecy surrounding the book’s contents has fueled speculation. Hellomagazine revealed that Spencer did not alert William, Harry, or the Palace to the memoir’s contents beforehand, despite its potential to bur[ie] the royal family’s reputation. Copies of the unreleased book were recently stolen in the Netherlands, adding to the controversy. Harry, who previously described walking behind his mother’s coffin as something no child should be asked to do, has not commented on the new allegations.
Legacy and Unanswered Questions
The memoir’s release has reignited debates about Diana’s legacy and the monarchy’s handling of her death. Spencer’s allegations challenge the official narrative of Charles’s grief, while the Palace’s response underscores its reluctance to engage with personal criticisms. 24UR noted that the princes’ silence reflects a broader strategy to protect their memories of Diana from media exploitation.
As the book approaches its release, the royal family faces a delicate balancing act: addressing the controversy without inflaming public sentiment. The absence of direct comments from William and Harry leaves the public to navigate the conflicting accounts, with the Palace’s statement offering a rare glimpse into its internal perspective on the matter.