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King Charles is facing renewed scrutiny after Earl Spencer made a serious claim about a private conversation following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. The allegation appears in an extract from Spencer’s forthcoming memoir, which is expected to revisit one of the most painful periods in the modern history of the British monarchy.
Buckingham Palace has responded to the claim, saying that grief can influence judgment and memory, particularly many years after a traumatic loss. The Palace also repeated its longstanding position that it does not comment on books as a matter of principle.
King Charles Faces Explosive Claim in Diana Memoir
Earl Spencer, Diana’s younger brother, alleges that the then-Prince of Wales subjected him to what he described as a “stream of anger” after the two disagreed over whether Princes William and Harry should walk behind their mother’s coffin.
According to the extract, Spencer objected to the idea of the young princes taking part in the funeral procession. William was 15 and Harry was 12 when Diana died in a car crash in Paris in 1997.
Spencer writes that he was told by a senior Palace aide that the boys would walk alongside their mother’s coffin. He says he then received a telephone call from Charles, during which he claims the future king expressed anger over Diana’s continuing public popularity.
The memoir attributes the following words to Charles: “Rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough.”
That quotation has not been independently verified. BBC News has not seen the full book, and the account comes from an advance extract published by the Daily Mail.
Palace Gives Carefully Worded Response
A Palace spokesperson said: “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.”
The statement does not directly confirm or deny Spencer’s account. Instead, it offers a measured response that acknowledges the emotional circumstances surrounding Diana’s death while questioning how memories of private conversations may change over time.
The timing of the dispute is significant. Spencer’s memoir, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, is due to be published next week and is expected to contain strong criticism of the Royal Family.
Diana’s death created an extraordinary national mood in Britain. The Princess of Wales had become one of the world’s most recognisable public figures, and the reaction to her death placed intense pressure on the monarchy. The Royal Family was criticised by some members of the public for appearing distant and slow to express emotion.
William and Harry’s Funeral Memories Return
The question of whether William and Harry should have walked behind their mother’s coffin has remained controversial for decades. Prince Harry has previously said that it was something no child should have been asked to do.
In a 2017 BBC interview, Harry said he did not have a clear opinion about whether the decision was right or wrong at the time. Looking back, however, he said he was glad to have been part of the historic day.
The latest claims may bring renewed attention to the emotional burden placed on both princes during Diana’s funeral. They were expected to perform a highly visible public duty while grieving under intense global media coverage.
- Earl Spencer says he opposed William and Harry walking in Diana’s funeral procession.
- He alleges that Charles reacted angrily during a telephone conversation.
- The memoir quotes Charles as saying Diana would eventually be forgotten.
- Buckingham Palace says grief can cloud reason and colour memory.
- The full book has not yet been reviewed by BBC News.
Stolen Copies Add to Memoir Drama
The controversy surrounding the book intensified after four copies of an unreleased Dutch-language edition were reportedly stolen in the Netherlands.
BBC News understands that the copies were taken from a truck travelling from the Dutch publisher’s printers to a warehouse. The incident occurred before the book’s official publication and has added another unexpected twist to the already high-profile release.
The memoir is now attracting attention not only because of its claims about King Charles, but also because of its wider promise to offer Earl Spencer’s personal account of Diana’s life, death and relationship with the Royal Family.
For the monarchy, the allegations risk reopening old wounds at a time when public interest in Diana remains exceptionally strong. For William and Harry, the discussion may again place childhood memories and family grief at the centre of a global news story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Earl Spencer claiming about King Charles?
Earl Spencer claims that Charles reacted angrily after Spencer objected to William and Harry walking behind Diana’s coffin. He also attributes a remark to Charles suggesting that Diana would eventually be forgotten.
How has Buckingham Palace responded?
The Palace said it does not comment on books as a matter of principle. It added that grief can affect judgment and colour memory in ways that may not be recognised by others.
When will the memoir be published?
Swan Song: Diana, My Sister is due to be published next week, according to the available extract.
Were copies of the book stolen?
Four copies of the Dutch-language edition were reportedly taken from a truck in the Netherlands while being transported from the printer to a warehouse.
