Charles Spencer, Earl Spencer, has provided a detailed and personal account of the funeral and aftermath of his sister, Princess Diana, expressing criticism of the Royal Family’s handling of Prince Harry following her death in 1997. In excerpts from his forthcoming memoir, "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister," Spencer describes the emotional impact of the funeral and the lack of visible support extended to the then 12-year-old Harry during a deeply traumatic period.
Spencer recalls the funeral procession as “the most harrowing experience” of his life, describing the overwhelming grief felt by those present and the mental strain it caused. He details the challenges faced by the pallbearers carrying Diana’s coffin and reflects on the complex emotions among family members, including the presence of Prince Charles, Diana’s ex-husband, who attended ostensibly to support their sons. Spencer reveals moments of personal anguish, such as giving Harry an encouraging hug during the procession and observing the young prince’s fragile state throughout the day.
The earl expresses particular concern about the care Prince Harry received in the immediate aftermath. He recalls the Royal Train journey to Althorp, where Diana was privately buried, as marked by a conspicuous lack of nurturing for Harry, who was "allowed to spin out of control." Spencer argues that a more attentive approach in those moments might have significantly helped Harry cope in the years that followed. He underscores the loss felt by Harry, noting that the young prince was deprived of his mother’s comforting presence at a crucial time.
Spencer also recounts a post-funeral phone call from Queen Elizabeth offering to restore Diana’s "Her Royal Highness" (HRH) title, which had been removed following her divorce from Prince Charles. Spencer declined the offer, expressing skepticism about its value after Diana’s death and criticism of the decision to strip her of the title while she was alive. He reflects on the decision to bury Diana at Althorp rather than the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, citing the removal of her royal title as a factor in this choice. Althorp, Spencer notes, offered privacy and was a place Diana loved.
The memoir’s revelations have elicited responses from various quarters. Buckingham Palace, while refusing to comment directly on the book or Spencer’s remarks, issued a statement emphasizing 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." Some royal aides have questioned the accuracy of Spencer’s claims, while Tory leader Kemi Badenoch expressed support for King Charles, emphasizing loyalty to the monarch amid the ongoing dispute.
Spencer, 62, maintains the accuracy of his recollections and recounts an interview with the BBC reaffirming his version of events and his interpretation of Royal Family reactions, including whether King Charles’s reported anger is better understood as embarrassment. The memoir is set for publication on September 22.