Charles Spencer spoke about his nephews’ reactions to his new book about Lady Diana. Diana’s brother, who died in 1997, published Swan Song: Diana, My Sister and said afterward that he had spoken with Prince William and Prince Harry. Before that, he had deliberately kept the project almost entirely to himself. Only his wife and the publishers knew about it. Diana was married to then-Prince Charles from 1981 to 1996. The marriage produced William and Harry, who were 15 and 12 years old, respectively, when their mother died.

Charles Spencer Told William and Harry at the Same Time

On the show “CBS Mornings,” Spencer said he hadn’t told anyone in the family about the book until it became public shortly before its release. He wanted to prevent Harry, in particular, from being associated with the project. After completing the book, he said he informed both of his nephews at exactly the same time.

As he was doing so, Harry asked him, “Is there anything in there that would be embarrassing to me?” according to Charles Spencer, as reported by Kurier.at. Spencer said his answer was clear: There was nothing in the book that should make his nephew uncomfortable.

Harry Was at Althorp With Meghan and the Children

Spencer and Harry remain in close contact. The Duke of Sussex spent the summer with Duchess Meghan and their children at his uncle’s estate in Althorp. When discussing his role in the family, Spencer described himself as someone who is simply there when needed. However, he does not overstate the importance of that role.

William and Harry are now in their 40s. Spencer said his attitude toward them has changed little since their mother’s death: When someone in a family dies and leaves children behind, you’re there for them.

Dispute With the Palace Following the Book’s Publication

The book was discussed not only within the family. Objections to certain accounts also came from the palace. These were prompted by passages in which Spencer describes the period following Diana’s death and attributes a cold reaction to King Charles III.

The palace stated that grief could affect a brother’s reason, judgment, and memory. Spencer rejected this, saying that they were acting as if there were something wrong with his mind or memory. There was nothing wrong with either, he said, according to n-tv.

Charles Spencer Still Regrets the Funeral March to This Day

The funeral procession in London following Diana’s death remains particularly distressing for him. Spencer explained that at the time, he had objected to letting William and Harry walk behind their mother’s casket. It was only when he was told that the boys had decided to do so themselves that he relented.

Today, he sees things differently. He admitted that he is still plagued by feelings of guilt. Years later, the subject came up again. He is certain that the two of them should not have walked that path through the grieving crowd.