A new book tackles one of the most sensitive chapters in the history of the British monarchy. In his memoir, "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister", Charles Spencer recounts a tense phone call with then-Prince Charles following the death of Princess Diana. An excerpt from the book has already been published by the Daily Mail.
The discussion centered on the funeral arrangements and the question of whether Prince William and Prince Harry should walk behind their mother’s coffin during the funeral procession. Spencer objected to the decision. In the book, he describes the dispute as a moment when old conflicts and fresh grief collided.
Charles Spencer Describes a Heated Phone Call
In the book, Diana’s brother recalls a phone call during which, according to his account, Charles spoke angrily to him. There was then a brief pause before, Spencer says, the then-heir to the throne made a remark that has stayed with him.“Rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough!”
According to Spencer, Charles made the comment during the conversation. Diana’s brother writes that he interpreted the remark as contempt for his sister and as a defensive response to the worldwide reaction to her death. He says his aim in writing the book is to correct what he considers long-standing falsehoods about Diana.
Buckingham Palace Issues a Statement
Buckingham Palace has also responded to the claims in the memoir. In a statement cited by Hello!, the palace 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 book is also scheduled to be published in Germany on September 22, at a time when interest in Diana is once again increasing. Next year will mark the 30th anniversary of her death.
Stolen Books Ahead of the Global Launch
Shortly before its release, the book was also at the center of an unrelated incident. Copies were reportedly stolen from a delivery truck in the Netherlands. The truck was traveling from a printing plant in Central Europe to a distribution center when it stopped overnight in the Dutch countryside. During the stop, the vehicle was broken into.
According to the Daily Mail, the perpetrators took only a small number of packaged copies. Dutch authorities are investigating the theft, which came to light just days before the book’s global launch.
Diana’s Marriage to Charles Remains a Central Theme
In addition to the days following Diana’s death, the book explores the long and troubled history of her marriage to Charles. The two first met in 1977 at the Spencer family estate in Althorp, when Charles was dating Diana’s older sister, Sarah.
After a series of meetings, Charles proposed during a private dinner at Buckingham Palace, and the couple married at St. Paul’s Cathedral in 1981.
Their marriage produced two sons, William and Harry, but tensions escalated in the early 1990s. Their separation became public in 1992, and their divorce was finalized in August 1996.
