Charles Spencer, the younger brother of the late Princess Diana, has recently made headlines following the release of his new book, “Swan Song: Diana, My Sister.” During an engaging discussion in New York City, Spencer reflected on his sister’s legacy, the book’s impact, and a rare public statement from King Charles regarding its contents.
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The event took place on September 29 at St. Peter’s Chelsea, where Spencer was in conversation with renowned journalist Tina Brown. The discussion not only shed light on Diana’s life but also prompted a significant response from Buckingham Palace, which is unusual given the royal family’s preference to remain silent on publications about them.
The King’s statement emerged shortly after excerpts from Spencer’s book appeared in the media. It addressed the notion of grief within families, asserting, “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.” Spencer described this response as “very aggressive” and labelled it a “false reaction” to his work, asserting that his book is fundamentally a loving tribute to Diana as his sister.
During the evening, the audience posed several questions to Spencer. When asked how he might respond if he encountered the King, he noted that “the Brits are very good at sort of catching each other’s eyes and operating in other parts of the room,” implying a reserved yet respectful recognition.
Spencer was also prompted to consider what life could have been like for Diana had she not married into the royal family. His response was simple yet poignant: “Happy.” This insight further emphasised the burdens and limitations that accompanied her status as a member of the royal household.
The King’s statement was particularly prompted by a more troubling recollection contained in Spencer’s book, which detailed a heated conversation he had with then-Prince Charles about the planning of Diana’s funeral. In his account, Spencer revealed a moment of anger from Charles that turned into what he perceived as a display of contempt for Diana. Specifically, he recounted Charles saying, “Rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough!” This comment underscores the complexity of family dynamics, particularly within the context of public grief and private relationships.
As the discussion continued, Spencer reiterated his resolve and independence in recounting personal memories. “I’ve only had two phone calls from the then-Prince of Wales,” he stated, recalling the first of which he believed led to a significant emotional response from Charles. He acknowledged the potential for pushback but maintained that the truth of his experiences was paramount.
Addressing the palace’s statement, Spencer noted that while the King had a choice to either refute his claims or remain silent, “he did neither.” His words prompted a statement from Brown, who suggested that the King’s reaction implied an acknowledgment of the claims instead of outright denial. Spencer remarked that such behaviour could be considered “gaslighting,” a comment that resonated with the audience.
When further questioned about his reluctance to share potentially negative recollections about the monarchy, Spencer conveyed his respect for the institution of the Crown and the sentiment it holds for many in Britain, particularly older generations. However, he clarified that his aim in writing this book was to focus on human relationships rather than royal status. “The central person, the only one that really matters, is Diana,” he concluded, reinforcing his commitment to portraying his sister’s true character.
The evening’s dialogues not only served as a platform to celebrate Diana’s memory but also opened a dialogue on the intricacies of grief and the personal nature of familial relationships within the public eye. As the royal family navigates through public and private perceptions, Spencer’s reflections alongside Brown’s journalism will undoubtedly contribute to ongoing conversations about the legacy of Princess Diana and the role of the monarchy in modern society.