Charles Spencer Gives One-Word Answer About Princess Diana’s Life If She Had Never Married King Charles

**Charles Spencer Reflects on the Pressures Faced by Princess Diana in New Memoir ‘Swan Song’**

Charles Spencer, the younger brother of the late Princess Diana, has offered a candid reflection on the trials of marrying into the British royal family in connection with his new memoir, “Swan Song: Diana, My Sister.” In a recent discussion held at St. Peter’s Chelsea in New York City, Spencer delved into his sister’s complex life, her troubled marriage to King Charles, and the impact of her legacy.

The conversation, moderated by award-winning journalist Tina Brown, provided an intimate glimpse into Spencer’s recollections of Diana’s childhood and the harrowing events that unfolded leading up to her untimely death in a car crash in Paris at the age of 36. Towards the end of their discussion, Brown posed a thought-provoking question regarding the potential alternative paths Diana might have taken had she never entered into a relationship with the heir to the throne. Spencer’s brief yet poignant response encapsulated his reflections perfectly: “Happy.”

Spencer’s insights further underscored the unique challenges faced by those who marry into the royal family, as opposed to those born into it. When Brown suggested that it might be inherently difficult to maintain one’s humanity within the constraints of royal life, Spencer concurred, noting, “There are certain people who find it very difficult to be inside of it. I think if you grow up in a royal family, it’s a lot easier than marrying into it.”

He elaborated on this sentiment by reflecting on the struggles of royal wives who often find the transition particularly daunting, emphasising that the expectations and culture can be hard to navigate for those who are not raised within that environment.

The discussion also touched on a recent statement from Buckingham Palace in response to excerpts from Spencer’s book that were published in the media. In one particularly controversial passage, Spencer recounted a conversation he had with then-Prince Charles shortly before Diana’s funeral, where the King reportedly remarked, “Rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough.” Following the publication, a spokesperson from Buckingham Palace released a statement acknowledging the depth of emotions involved in familial grief, but refrained from addressing Spencer’s claims directly.

Spencer stood firm in his recollection of the conversation, stating, “I’m sure he can remember being hung up on because it probably doesn’t happen very often.” He noted the Palace’s failure to outright deny his account, suggesting that the King had opted for a less direct response. “He had the opportunity to not say anything or to deny it, and he did neither,” Spencer pointed out, eliciting applause from the audience present.

In addition to the previously mentioned claims, Spencer’s memoir reveals further details that have sparked public interest, including his assertion that Charles appeared “giddily elated” during their talk following Diana’s death. Further compounding the drama, the memoir discusses Diana’s belief that Charles was “in love with his valet.”

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Spencer stated, “This book, in my view, is something [Diana] would like. She always loved it when I paid compliments, and this is 350 pages of compliments.” His aim, he explained, was to debunk certain myths surrounding his sister and her difficult position within the royal family.

Despite the potentially controversial nature of some of his revelations about the current monarch, Spencer expressed no fear about sharing these reflections. He expressed a degree of respect for the institution of the Crown, noting that many in Britain, especially older generations, feel similarly. However, his priority in writing has been to focus on personal accounts rather than status, consistently placing the spotlight on Diana.

As future discussions unfold and public interest in “Swan Song” continues, many will undoubtedly reflect on the insights shared by Charles Spencer regarding the life of his sister and the pressures that accompany royalty. His memoir serves as not only a tribute to Diana’s enduring legacy but also as a critique of the royal institution that she so dramatically navigated during her life.