World

New Book by Princess Diana's Brother Sparks Controversy

Earl Spencer's forthcoming memoir, detailing his late sister's life, has led to a rare response from King Charles III regarding critical claims about his behavior following Diana's death.

17 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: New Book by Princess Diana's Brother Sparks Controversy — Archive photoPhoto: The White House · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

A new book by Charles Spencer, the brother of the late Princess Diana, is generating significant attention and controversy. The memoir, titled "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister," is said to reveal new details about Diana's marriage and the week leading up to her tragic death in 1997. According to various sources, including The Independent, the manuscript was reportedly stolen from a lorry in the Netherlands prior to its released date.

In the memoir, Spencer alleges that King Charles III exhibited a lack of compassion immediately following Diana's death. He claims that the then-Prince Charles sounded 'giddily elated, like a lottery winner' during a conversation shortly after the fatal car crash that took Diana’s life. Spencer has voiced his concerns over the royal family’s handling of the aftermath of the incident and related dynamics.

The allegations made in Spencer's book prompted a rare response from Buckingham Palace. A spokesperson for King Charles stated that the grieving process can affect rational thought and memory. This signifies a notable engagement from the palace in response to Spencer's critical claims, as such direct replies to family disputes are uncommon.

Earl Spencer’s pointed remarks have reignited discussions about the complexities of his relationship with his sister and the royal family. His criticism towards Charles follows a pattern of public disputes regarding Diana's legacy and her portrayal in various media, which he has consistently contested.

As the release of Spencer's memoir approaches, the implications of his claims and the accompanying royal response are drawing widespread media coverage. Reports indicate that the book is set to provide a deeper exploration of the siblings' complicated bond and the events surrounding Diana's life and death.

In a related story, it has been reported that the book may include assertions about disagreements regarding the public actions taken by Prince William and Prince Harry during their mother’s funeral, further emphasizing the rift between Spencer and the royal family. The varying accounts of these interactions contribute to the ongoing discourse about family dynamics within the royal context.

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