Prince William and King Charles ignored the drama surrounding Earl Spencer and his book launch today, carrying on business as usual with separate engagements across the UK. The memoir, titled Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, was released today and has taken aim at the royal institution, levelling accusations against the monarch in the days before its release.
Just hours after the book went on sale this morning, Prince William visited ActOne, an independent and community-led cinema in Acton, west London, to celebrate the diversity and talent of the British film industry, while championing the community spirit of independent UK cinemas. As the Prince of Wales arrived in West London, a photographer shouted: “Sir, how do you feel about your uncle’s book? Have you read it?”. William did not respond and swiftly entered the local cinema.
King Charles carries out engagements in Scotland
Meanwhile, a smiling King Charles appeared to be putting the controversy firmly behind him as he carried out engagements in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, highlighting the transition to renewable energy. Charles and William’s visits come just hours after Earl Spencer’s memoir about his sister, the late Princess Diana, was released, following several days of scathing excerpts taking aim at the monarch and the royal institution.
The Earl has sparked controversy after it emerged he makes a series of claims about the King in Swan Song: Diana, My Sister – including that Charles said “we’ll forget her soon enough” after she died – which has prompted a war of words between him and Buckingham Palace. A palace spokesman said last week that the King is “mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory in ways others do not recognise”. But Spencer hit back in an interview on Sunday with the BBC, where he said: “I can tell you here and now, those are exactly the words he said.”
Earl Spencer says claims will not surprise Diana's sons
During the interview, he also suggested that Diana's sons would not be “surprised” over the claims and contents in his memoir. Earl Spencer said: “I don't like to talk about what I've been speaking about to William and Harry but this will not be a surprise to them I will tell you that. These words will not be a surprise to them.” Today, the book finally hit shelves and was available to buy, with Waterstones selling it for £14 - half the cover price of £28 - with half price stickers on the front.
Arriving at the Aberdeenshire port on Tuesday morning, the King met a number of people and organisations involved in the area’s energy ecosystem. He also met representatives of Maritime Developments Ltd, a three-time recipient of the King’s Award for Enterprise, who offer low-emission alternatives to traditional offshore energy equipment. At Peterhead Port, the King spoke with local members of the energy supply chain, including the Peterhead Energy Transition Forum.
King unveils plaque at Peterhead Port
While unveiling a plaque to commemorate his visit, he said: “I’m sorry it’s taken so long to turn up here. I’m delighted. I don’t know where this plaque’s going to end up, but anyway, nothing could give me greater pleasure, having met so many of you this morning, and I’m very grateful to you for all appearing and helping to tell me all about your plans for all this development in the area. It’s fantastic to see such a remarkable effort in teamwork and co-ordination, which, I doubt I shall be still alive by the time you complete it all. I’m sure it will make an enormous difference to our energy future.”
