During his first live TV interview about the book Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, Earl Spencer – the late princess’s brother – asserted that, in a private phone call three decades ago, the then‑Prince of Wales told him “we’ll forget her soon enough” when discussing funeral‑procession plans for Princes William and Harry.
Spencer wrote that he had objected to the idea of the princes walking behind Diana’s coffin, only to be overruled by Charles, who allegedly responded with the quoted remark, which Spencer says he recorded in his memoir to explain the tone of his eulogy at the funeral.
Buckingham Palace issued a statement refusing to comment on the book but noting 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,” thereby challenging Spencer’s recollection without directly denying the words.
The earl labelled the palace’s response “classic gaslighting,” insisting that the officials were trying to cast doubt on his memory rather than address the substance of his claim.
British media outlets, including The Times and the Daily Telegraph, have sharply criticised Spencer, questioning the accuracy of his memory and suggesting the memoir is a sensationalist cash‑in on Diana’s legacy.
Adding to the controversy, broadcaster Piers Morgan threatened legal action after Spencer incorrectly described him as a former editor of the Daily Mirror, a factual error that has further inflamed the debate.
The dispute revives public scrutiny of the royal family’s handling of Diana’s death and the ongoing narrative surrounding her memory, while Spencer maintains that his book aims to celebrate his sister rather than launch a “hit piece” on the king.