Prince Harry and Earl Spencer have faced criticism over how they are handling the memory of the late Princess Diana, with commentators drawing comparisons between their approaches and that of Prince William.
Earl Spencer last week released his book Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, which explores his life with Princess Diana and the events following her death. The book has proved popular but has also drawn criticism over its treatment of the Royal Family and Diana's memory.
Harry's reported film plans
Prince Harry is reportedly in talks to produce or take part in a special film about his late mother to mark the 30th anniversary of her death. Prince William was reportedly approached a number of times to take part in similar projects, but it is understood that he has refused all of them.
Speaking to Times Radio host Ryan Tubridy, Joe Elvin, host of Royals Uncensored, discussed the three royals' different approaches to the public memory of Diana.
Criticism of Earl Spencer's book
Elvin said: "I’m looking at these guys: William, Harry and Earl Spencer. The only one who stuck to their guns with any dignity, in my view, is William. I think that Earl Spencer has brought to light a really, rather unedifying, rather self-serving book that doesn’t really change the memory of Diana. It changes the memory of the King."
Referring to Earl Spencer's recent release, she called it an "absolutely deliberate attempt to skewer the reputation of the Royal Family".
Claims of a 'crass war'
Tubridy pointed out that the Prince of Wales reportedly refused a number of offers to take part in similar projects, which spurred on the conversation further.
Referring to Harry's reported plans, Elvin added: "I think there’s the most meaningful way to serve his mother’s memory. And there’s also the most monetising way to serve his mother’s memory. Now we’re looking at this rather crass kind of war over who gets to lay claim to the narrative of her legacy. And I don’t think that serves her any favours."
Prince William is tipped to be "absolutely furious" with his brother's plan to make a documentary about their mother. "Realistically, does Harry have a right to do this? I can tell you now that William will be absolutely furious about it," the Mirror's royal editor Russell Myers told the Pod Save The King show on YouTube.
