The 9th Earl Spencer, brother of the late Princess Diana, has drawn attention with recent statements regarding a controversial remark made by King Charles III in the wake of Diana’s tragic passing. In his latest book, *Swan Song: Diana, My Sister*, Spencer recounts an alarming phone call with the then-Prince Charles, during which Charles allegedly stated, “We’ll forget her soon enough,” following the car accident that took Diana’s life in 1997.
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Spencer, 62, discussed this revelation during an interview on CBS Mornings with Gayle King on September 28. He expressed that part of his responsibility as a historian is to present factual accounts, which he believes he is doing through his writing. The Earl highlighted that there were notable reservations expressed by Buckingham Palace after an excerpt from his book was published, specifically related to his claims regarding Charles’s comment.
“My recollection of the conversation is clear,” Spencer stated during the interview. “I’ve only had two phone calls with the now-King, so I am certain about what I heard.” He also mentioned that he shared this detail with prominent journalist Barbara Walters shortly after the incident occurred. “I told Barbara Walters, actually, at the time,” he recalled, expressing his frustration that some might doubt his memory and integrity.
The late Walters, who passed away in 2022, is known for her extensive coverage of the Royal Family, including a well-known interview with Charles in 1984 and her reporting on Diana’s wedding to him in 1981. While Spencer and Walters were not particularly close, they did share a number of public events together.
As the book garnered media attention, a spokesperson from Buckingham Palace responded, albeit cautiously. They stated, “While we do not comment on books as a matter of principle, His Majesty is mindful 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.” This statement alluded to the emotions that often accompany familial tragedies and questioned Spencer’s reliability in his recollections.
In a subsequent BBC interview, Spencer reiterated his position, insisting “I’m telling the truth,” in response to the palace’s comments about potential biases stemming from grief. Throughout *Swan Song*, he provides insight into his brother-in-law’s emotional state following Diana’s death, including how he felt the future king exhibited “giddily elated” tones during their conversation.
Moreover, Spencer’s book does not shy away from other sensational allegations, including claims made by Diana about Charles’s intimate relationship with his valet at the time. These revelations offer an unfiltered glimpse into the royal family during a period fraught with complexity and emotional turmoil.
In speaking to PEOPLE Magazine, Spencer emphasised that his intention is not to propagate resentment but to establish a factual narrative. “Part of my duty, I am a historian, is to lay down facts, and that’s what I’m doing,” he asserted. “There’s no viciousness. I’m not resentful or bitter or any of those things.”
Regarding the contents of the book, he expressed optimism that Diana would have approved of the effort, remarking, “This book, in my view, is something she would like. She always loved it when I paid compliments, and this is 350 pages of compliments.” By sharing his experiences and insights, Spencer hopes to put to rest some of the myths surrounding his sister’s life and legacy.
With *Swan Song: Diana, My Sister* now available, Spencer aims to shed light on the reality of his sister’s life and present her as a devoted mother and an independent spirit. Through his writings, he seeks to preserve her memory and influence, ensuring that she is remembered for her authentic self amidst the complexities of her life within the royal framework.