King Charles' 12 telling words to royal staff after Diana's death have been revealed after 29 years, as he and her brother face off in a 'war of words'. Earl Spencer claims in his new memoir that just days after Diana's death the now King insensitively told him "rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough".
Diana's brother writes that the statement was made during a phone call between the pair, a claim which the Palace have stated is likely to be 'clouded' by 'fraternal grief'.
Royal expert defends King's reaction
Royal expert and author of the Sunday Times bestseller Our King: Charles III, Robert Jobson, argues that although only two men will know the truth of what occurred on that call, the King was visibly 'heartbroken' following Diana's death. Jobson said on The Sun: "In reality, Charles was devastated after Diana's death."
He visited the Queen Mother's long-time servant and confidant, William 'Billy' Tallon at Gatehouse Lodge and confided in him. Charles said: "You know, we were very much in love in the early days."
Funeral behavior contradicts memoir claims
At her funeral, Jobson added that Charles "looked close to tears", contrary to the way he is being presented in Spencer's new book. The royal writer attended Princess Diana's funeral in 1997, and noted that Charles looked "very emotional throughout. Heartbroken." The way he conducted himself did not suggest he was "a man dismissive of England's Rose," Jobson added.
Emotions were extremely high in the days after Diana's death and tensions reportedly rose between Spencer and King Charles, so Jobson urges that if the comment from the King is true it must be placed into context.
Palace response and King's actions
The Palace unusually pushed back on the claims in a statement that 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." This response triggered what has been slammed as a "war" between Spencer and Charles, who are known to not see eye to eye.
However, Jobson notes that following Diana's death the King did fight for his first wife. He ensured Diana's body was brought back and that she had a ceremonial funeral despite the pair's divorce. He also intervened when a jet was not sent to pick up Diana's body because she was no longer an HRH, according to Jobson. All of which, alongside Charles' admission to Tallon, illustrate he "was more of a champion for the princess than has been suggested".
Jobson added that Charles "can have a filthy temper... It flares up, it doesn't last long, and he doesn't hold grudges. He apologises soon afterwards." But he can say things in the heat of the moment, and it shouldn't be dismissed that this could have been said. "Funerals are one of the most emotional times for any family, royal or not."
