Earl Spencer has revealed that Prince William and Prince Harry are "okay" with his new book about their late mother, Princess Diana. The book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, was released this month and has generated headlines due to its explosive claims, some of which concern King Charles.
Claims About King Charles
The most shocking revelation in the book is Earl Spencer's assertion that Charles said, "Rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough," following Diana's death in 1997. The Earl also accused the King of sounding "giddily elated" during a phone call after Diana's death, though he later conceded he could not be certain of Charles' thoughts at the time.
In response to these allegations, Buckingham Palace issued a statement: "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."
Nephews' Reactions
Prince William has remained silent publicly about the book. However, Earl Spencer told People magazine that both William and Harry were fine with its publication. "In respect of their privacy, I won't sort of say what was said, but it was okay, you know?" he said. "I mean, I think they're probably used to me to sort of doing my own thing, and I made it absolutely clear to them, I haven't compromised either of your privacy at all."
The Earl said he did not seek approval from his nephews, though Harry had particular concerns. Speaking to Gayle King on CBS, he revealed: "Harry was sort of like, 'Is there anything in there that would be embarrassing to me?' I said, 'Absolutely not.' You know, I'm very specific about people's privacy."
Book's Purpose and Response
The author admitted he did not inform any family members except his wife about the book until just before its release. "I didn't want anyone to think, particularly with Harry, who people know I had to stay in the summer, that he was in any way involved in this," he shared on CBS Mornings. "It was important to me that they weren't." He confirmed he has spoken to Harry and William since the book's release.
Earl Spencer insisted the book is not about "settling scores" but celebrating his sister's life. "I could have written something much more devastating," he confessed on CBC Radio's The Current. "This was the considered version that I thought, 'Yeah, whatever's in here, needs to be in, to give the full story of Diana's life'."
In response to the Palace's statement, he also commented on CBS: "They have to sort of pretend there's something wrong with my mind or my memory. There's nothing wrong with either."
