Earl Spencer, the younger brother of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, has intensified his criticism of the royal family ahead of the international release of his new book, *Swan Song: Diana, My Sister*, scheduled for Tuesday. Speaking in interviews ahead of the publication, Spencer accused King Charles III, then Prince Charles, of making callous remarks following Diana’s death in 1997, claiming that Charles told him, “Rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough.” Spencer described this as an example of being “gaslit” by the King—a term referring to psychological manipulation in which someone is led to question their own reality.

Spencer, 62, who resides at the Spencer family estate in Althorp, Northamptonshire, rejects the notion that he is aligned with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, asserting instead that his loyalty lies with his deceased sister’s children. He acknowledged the significant media scrutiny facing the Sussexes and reflected on Meghan’s comment that she felt “the most trolled person in the world,” calling such sustained criticism “a cancerous influence” on anyone subjected to it.

The publication of Spencer’s book has reignited tensions around the royal family’s legacy, with the Earl also making allegations that King Charles, in his younger years, expressed unflattering personal appetites and complained petulantly about the wait for his inheritance. These claims drew sharp rebukes from the King’s supporters, who have described Spencer’s assertions as baseless and part of a vindictive campaign. A friend of the King suggested that much of the public is indifferent to the controversy, though aides to Prince William reportedly view the developments with “multigenerational fury,” underscoring ongoing familial discord.

Spencer has also addressed accusations that his motivation for writing the book is financial, following reports that he could earn up to £10 million ($18.7 million) from sales. He firmly denied any profit motive, insisting the book is a tribute to his sister and that Diana would have fully endorsed his efforts to tell her story. However, critics have pointed to a perceived inconsistency, recalling Spencer’s 1998 statement that it would be inconceivable to profit from a sibling’s death.

The Earl revealed in interviews that he experiences rejection sensitive dysphoria, a form of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder marked by extreme sensitivity to criticism or perceived rejection, which he said colors his responses to the ongoing controversies.

Spencer’s media appearances have included high-profile interviews on major television platforms in the UK and the US, timed to coincide with the book’s launch and echoing the media strategies employed by Prince Harry in the wake of his memoir *Spare*. Some observers note parallels in the approach—combining personal revelations with broad critiques of the royal institution—generating widespread public and media debate.

As the 30th anniversary of Diana’s death approaches in August 2027, the dispute underscores the continuing complexities surrounding the legacy of the Princess of Wales and the contemporary challenges faced by the British monarchy.