Charles Spencer, brother of the late Princess Diana, has shared revealing insights into the aftermath of her tragic death in his forthcoming book, **Swan Song: Diana, My Sister**. The initial excerpt was published on 17 September by the Daily Mail, recounting the profound sorrow that followed the car accident in Paris which claimed Diana’s life in August 1997. This latest revelation has ignited a renewed interest in the events surrounding her untimely passing, particularly regarding the reactions of those closest to her.
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In the book, the 9th Earl Spencer details his immediate reaction upon receiving news of the accident. Initially unaware of the full extent of the incident, he was informed of Diana’s death by his sister, Jane. Spencer writes of the flood of phone calls he received following the tragedy, noting that one call from then-Prince Charles stood out for its unexpected tone. While other callers were consumed by shock and grief, he describes Charles’s voice as “giddily elated,” likening it to the excitement of a lottery winner.
Spencer reflects on the implications this reaction might have had for Charles, suggesting that the prince’s first thoughts were not solely centred on the loss of Diana. “I suspect the prince’s first reaction must have been to think more of how this event might free him to marry the woman he loved,” he stated. This observation touches on the complexities of their relationship, marked by a tumultuous divorce and lingering feelings.
The narrative continues with Spencer recounting how Charles broke the news to Prince William and Prince Harry about their mother’s death. He describes the manner in which Charles conveyed this devastating news, finding it disturbingly matter-of-fact. “It all sounded strangely matter-of-fact, given the enormity of the disaster,” he commented, highlighting the profound impact of such a loss on the young princes.
Further complicating the family dynamics, Spencer recounts a later phone call with Charles regarding the funeral arrangements, specifically whether William and Harry should walk behind Diana’s coffin. He opposed the idea, which led to a heated exchange between the two. Spencer recalls how Charles expressed what he perceived as contempt towards Diana, saying, “Rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough!”
In response to the excerpts, a spokesperson for the Palace made a rare public comment regarding the book. They acknowledged the nuances of grief and how it might distort memory and judgement, particularly in the wake of such a loss. “His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason,” the spokesperson noted, addressing the emotional complexities that such a situation presents.
**Swan Song: Diana, My Sister** is intended not only as a reflection on Diana’s life but also as a personal tribute from Spencer to his sister. After months of receiving interview requests in anticipation of the 30th anniversary of Diana’s death, Spencer felt compelled to share his memories through this medium. He described the process of creating the audiobook as deeply emotional, referring to it as the “most personal” work he has ever undertaken.
In an Instagram post announcing the completion of the audiobook recording, Spencer expressed the profound connection he feels to the narrative, stating, “At heart, this is a brother’s simple tribute to an extraordinary sister.” He conveyed a sense of satisfaction in the project, believing that Diana would have approved of every word he penned.
As the release date approaches, the book is expected to offer further revelations and reflections on Diana’s life and legacy. It seems poised to evoke a range of emotions from those who remember the beloved Princess, as well as sparking discussions about the complexities of royal family relationships, both past and present.