Earl Spencer, brother of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, has sparked renewed debate about royal family dynamics with the publication of his memoir, which offers critical insights into the days following Diana’s death in 1997. The 371-page book, excerpts of which were recently serialized, has prompted responses from Buckingham Palace and reignited scrutiny over some of the claims it contains.

In his memoir, Earl Spencer describes King Charles III, then Prince of Wales, as “giddily elated” upon learning of Diana’s death, suggesting that the prince saw the tragedy as a potential release from marital constraints. Spencer writes that Charles appeared unexpectedly matter-of-fact while informing him of the news and implies that his initial reaction was driven by thoughts of marrying Camilla Parker Bowles. However, Buckingham Palace issued a statement cautioning that grief can distort recollection, and a close associate of Charles disputed the characterization. The friend stressed that Charles was in shock and deeply saddened by Diana’s death, and refuted Spencer’s claim that Charles had suggested they would “forget her soon enough,” noting instead that Charles viewed Diana as “untouchable” and deserving of a lasting legacy. Observers present at Diana’s funeral have also recalled a visibly bereft prince standing with his sons.

Beyond its portrayal of Charles, the memoir criticizes the royal household’s handling of Diana’s funeral arrangements. Lord Spencer paints the monarchy’s staff as rigid and unsympathetic to his family’s wishes, particularly in relation to the music selections. Spencer recounts that his proposal to include Mozart’s Requiem was initially rejected on the grounds that requiem music was inappropriate for a Church of England service. However, the order of service later featured Verdi’s Requiem, a decision credited to interventions by senior palace officials. Sir Robert Fellowes, Queen Elizabeth II’s private secretary and Spencer’s brother-in-law, was among those involved in ensuring the funeral was both personal and exceptional.

The memoir also critiques the choice to carry Diana’s coffin on a gun carriage, suggesting it conflicted with her pacifist image. In contrast, officials involved in the funeral planning argued the decision was made for practical reasons—to allow the large public audience in London better visibility. The Earl of Airlie and Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Ross, the latter of whom played a key role in orchestrating the funeral, intentionally broke from traditional royal protocol to accommodate the scale of public mourning.

One disputed factual inaccuracy in the book involves a claim that former Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan published unauthorized photos of Diana during his tenure, leading to a costly legal settlement. Morgan has denied this, noting the images were published two years before he joined the newspaper, and the publisher later issued a formal apology to Morgan for the error. Morgan is reportedly seeking damages and a retraction.

While critics question some of the memoir’s assertions, others acknowledge it as a significant, if subjective, account of a turbulent period for the royal family. The book underscores ongoing tensions over the portrayal and memory of Diana’s life and death within and beyond the palace walls.