Earl Spencer has embarked on a promotional tour across the United States to support his new book, *Swan Song: Diana, My Sister*, which offers a critical perspective on the British Royal Family, particularly King Charles. The tour, unfolding this week in New York and other locations, includes a series of interviews and public appearances in which Spencer revisits longstanding family disputes and comments on events surrounding the late Princess Diana’s death.
During a live interview with royal biographer Tina Brown at a New York book launch, Spencer controversially characterized then-Prince Charles as a man prone to anger, citing a specific incident involving Charles’s reaction after Diana’s death in 1997. Spencer described himself as calm at the time, contrasting his composure with Charles’s temperament. This exchange was met with amusement by the audience but underscored the tense familial relations that the book explores.
Earlier that day, Spencer appeared on the CBS Mornings show with host Gayle King, a close associate of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. In the interview, King praised Spencer’s defense of his nephews, Prince William and Prince Harry, while encouraging viewers to purchase the book. Spencer denied facing significant public criticism outside narratives allegedly fueled by Buckingham Palace, a claim King did not challenge during the broadcast.
On a Canadian radio program, Spencer put forth unverified assertions about Diana’s mental health, suggesting she may have had ADHD and dyslexia, and speculated on possible phone hacking. He also reaffirmed claims made in his book that Charles was “giddily elated” upon hearing of Diana’s death—a description Spencer attributed to Charles’s tone during a phone call but admitted he could not recall Charles’s exact words. Spencer further accused Charles of losing control during the 1997 funeral events and cited an alleged disparaging remark by Charles about Diana, though he called on the King to clarify these comments.
When challenged about the critical nature of his statements on the King during the radio interview, Spencer insisted that he was recounting facts rather than expressing personal criticism. He highlighted his background as a former television journalist and a fellow of the Royal Historical Society to assert his credibility. However, some observers have questioned whether his portrayals are influenced by personal grievances rather than objective historical analysis.
Spencer also revealed that he has not read Prince Harry’s 2023 autobiography *Spare*, despite its relevance to the family history. His public remarks, alongside parallels to grievances voiced by Harry and Meghan Markle, suggest a broader narrative challenging the monarchy’s treatment of family members.
The book has achieved bestseller status in the United States, and Spencer’s commentary continues to attract attention as he tours American media outlets. His criticisms have sparked debate about the monarchy’s image abroad, with some commentators suggesting his efforts contribute to growing tensions between the British royal institution and perceptions in the U.S.