Charles Spencer, the brother of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, has released a memoir titled *Swan Song: Diana, My Sister* nearly three decades after her death. The book, which has been serialised in a national newspaper, revisits their family history and offers an intimate, though highly contested, account of Diana’s life and the events surrounding her passing in 1997.

Spencer’s narrative largely centers on his perspective, painting a vivid but personal portrait of Diana and the royal family, particularly focusing on King Charles, then Prince Charles. The memoir includes controversial assertions about the late prince’s reaction to Diana’s death. Spencer claims Charles sounded "giddily elated — like a lottery winner" during a phone call shortly after Diana’s fatal car crash, and later said, “Rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough.” These statements have sparked significant debate and have been met with strong rebuttals from Buckingham Palace, with critics arguing that Spencer’s portrayal lacks corroboration and context. Some observers note that the tone of voice in a highly emotional moment may not accurately reflect Charles’s feelings, citing that grief can affect memory over time.

The release of the book has reignited discussions about Spencer’s own motivations and credibility. Critics highlight a history of personal controversy, including his past marriages and public disputes, as factors that complicate his portrayal of royal events. Some question Spencer’s decision to publish such a pointed account nearly 30 years on, suggesting that financial gain and settling personal scores may underlie the book’s tone and content. The memoir’s impact on the royal family’s younger generation, particularly Princes William and Harry, has also been a topic of concern, given the sensitive nature of the allegations and their potential to deepen familial rifts.

In *Swan Song*, Spencer also reflects on Diana’s personal struggles, suggesting she exhibited symptoms consistent with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and suffered from rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), a condition characterized by intense emotional pain related to perceived rejection. He candidly admits to regrets over not providing more support during her battle with anorexia and bulimia. Despite this self-reflection, Spencer’s book is noted for lacking direct sources such as personal diaries or contemporaneous accounts, which some historians and commentators see as a notable limitation for a work making serious claims.

The memoir is framed by Spencer’s famous 1997 funeral oration, which sharply criticised the press and the royal family and earned public applause at the time. However, many commentators argue that the book, while emotionally charged, is largely a subjective and vengeful narrative rather than a balanced or comprehensive historical account. Some suggest that Andrew Morton’s *Diana: Her True Story*, published posthumously with Diana’s cooperation and considered a more authoritative biography, remains the more significant record of her life.

As public reaction unfolds, the emphasis appears to be shifting toward the king’s measured pushback against Spencer’s claims. With Queen Camilla now broadly regarded with respect, reflecting changes within the monarchy and public sentiment, many see the controversy surrounding *Swan Song* as highlighting how much royal dynamics and the cultural landscape have evolved since Diana’s death. The book’s reception underscores ongoing challenges in reconciling personal histories and public narratives within one of Britain’s most prominent families.