Charles Spencer's Memoir on Princess Diana Sparks Controversy

Charles Spencer, the younger brother of the late Princess Diana, released his memoir "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister," published by Penguin in 12 languages. The book, which hit bookstores globally on a Tuesday, contains controversial claims about Diana's former husband, King Charles III, and the British royal family.

Spencer alleged that King Charles was “giddily elated” when he called him after Diana's death in 1997. He also opposed plans for Diana’s sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, to walk behind her coffin during her funeral, believing it would be too traumatic for them.

Spencer claimed that King Charles reacted angrily during a disagreement over this issue, stating, “Rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough.” The sight of the young princes walking behind their mother’s coffin became an iconic image of the funeral. Following the memoir's excerpts, Buckingham Palace issued a statement acknowledging the complexities of grief and memory.