Earl Spencer's Diana book opens old wounds royals would rather forget

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1. 1h ago

   Earl Spencer Memoir Reopens Royal Wounds With Claims About Diana

   Earl Spencer has sparked a public dispute with the British royal family through his upcoming memoir, "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister", which is set for publication on 22 September 2026. The book alleges that then-Prince Charles sounded giddily elated and like a lottery winner after Princess Diana died, and claims the royal family denied her funeral request. The palace has rejected claims that King Charles was elated following her death. Earl Spencer has defended his book in interviews, maintaining that he is telling the truth and sharing exact words spoken.

   Why it matters

   The book serialization in the Daily Mail revives painful public scrutiny nearly 30 years after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Earl Spencer also recalls that Prince Philip overruled King Charles regarding their placement in the funeral walk. The clash highlights lingering tensions between the Spencer family and the monarchy over historical events surrounding the tragedy.

   What is confirmed

   • Earl Spencer published a memoir titled Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, which was serialized in the Daily Mail ahead of its September 22 publication.
   • Earl Spencer claims King Charles sounded giddily elated and like a lottery winner after Princess Diana died.
   • The palace rejected claims that King Charles was elated after Princess Diana's death.
   • Earl Spencer defended his book claims in a BBC interview, stating he is telling the truth.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The royal family denied Princess Diana a funeral request.
   • Prince Philip overruled King Charles over their places in Princess Diana's funeral walk.

   What to watch next

   • The official release of the memoir Swan Song: Diana, My Sister on September 22, 2026.
   • Potential further statements or reactions from the British royal family.
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. People.com — Princess Diana’s Brother Charles Spencer Says the Royal Family Denied Her Funeral Request
   2. NBC News — Princess Diana’s brother says King Charles sounded ‘giddily elated’ after her death
   3. The Washington Post — Palace rejects claims King Charles was ‘elated’ after Princess Diana’s death
   4. CBS News — Princess Diana's brother claims Charles sounded "like a lottery winner" after she died
   5. BBC — 'I'm telling the truth': Earl Spencer defends Diana book claims about Charles in BBC interview
   6. People.com — Charles Spencer Recalls Prince Philip ‘Overruling’ King Charles Over Their Places in Princess Diana’s Funeral Walk
   7. bbc.com — Earl Spencer's Diana book opens old wounds royals would rather forget
   8. cnn.com — 5 explosive claims in new book by Princess Diana’s brother
   9. The Times of India — Earl Spencer says ‘I’m telling the truth’ on King Charles’ alleged Diana remark: ‘Those are exactly the words he said’
   10. Yahoo — Princess Diana’s Brother Defends Book Claims After King Charles’ Rebuttall
   11. thebulrushes.com — Swan Song: Diana’s Brother Reopens Royal Wounds Nearly 30 Years On
   12. www.foxsports.com — Toronto Blue Jays vs. Kansas City Royals - News: Sep 5, 2026
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