UK: New Book by Diana’s Brother Reopens Old Rifts with King Charles

A new book published on Tuesday by the late Princess Diana’s brother dominated headlines worldwide, due to its scathing accusations against Diana’s former husband, now King Charles III, and its reopening of old wounds within the British royal family dating back decades.

In his book “Swan Song: My Sister Diana,” Charles Spencer claims he had an argument with Prince Charles at the time over palace plans to have Princes William and Harry, then aged 15 and 12, walk behind their mother’s coffin during her funeral procession in 1997.

Spencer says he told Charles that Diana, who died at age 36 in a car crash in Paris, would not have wanted her sons to endure that ordeal. He alleges that the prince “flew into a rage” during the argument, telling him, “Don’t worry, we’ll forget her soon enough.” Spencer also accuses Charles of showing “disdain” for his former wife and appearing “gleeful” after her death.

Following the publication of excerpts from the book last week, Buckingham Palace issued a strongly worded statement, a rare move according to the reserved standards followed by the royal family.

The palace said in its statement: “His Majesty is aware that the pain of grief at the loss of a sibling can cloud judgment, affect one’s assessment of events, and alter memories in ways that others may not realize, even many years after that loss.”

Spencer has stood by his accusations, telling the BBC that he is telling the truth. Responding to the royal family’s denial, he asked: “Is he angry? Is he angry or embarrassed?”