Earl Spencer, brother of the late Princess Diana, has sparked renewed controversy with the release of his memoir, "Swan Song," prompting a public dispute with King Charles III. The book has drawn criticism for its timing and content, with some observers questioning Spencer’s motives and highlighting his own personal controversies in response.

Spencer’s memoir, published nearly 30 years after Diana’s death, revisits the turbulent relationship between the princess and King Charles, including Charles’s response following Diana’s tragic passing in 1997. Spencer has defended the timing of his book as a tribute to his sister, though critics argue it is more self-focused than commemorative.

The earl has openly criticized Charles for what he describes as callous remarks and poor judgment during the aftermath of Diana's death. In response, palace officials issued a statement emphasizing that grief can cloud judgment, a response that Spencer described as “gaslighting.”

However, several commentators have pointed to Spencer’s own history, drawing attention to allegations of infidelity and personal misconduct throughout his life. He has been married four times, with his relationships often marked by public legal disputes and accusations of mistreatment. For instance, his first wife, Victoria Lockwood, experienced anxiety, addiction, and an eating disorder during their marriage while Spencer reportedly engaged in extramarital affairs. The couple divorced under South African law after relocating there, with Lockwood receiving only a fraction of Spencer’s considerable inherited wealth.

Subsequent marriages have likewise ended amid private or public difficulties. His second wife, Caroline Freud, divorced him quietly following claims of “unreasonable behaviour.” His third marriage to Karen Gordon lasted 13 years before ending, despite Gordon’s involvement in estate restoration projects and collaborative media ventures with Spencer. Earlier this year, he wed Dr. Catrine Jarman, a Norwegian archaeologist and author.

Critics of Spencer emphasize that his ongoing disputes and personal controversies undermine his credibility in judging the royal family. Allegations include an alleged physical altercation with a former friend and questions about his absence from family events such as his daughters’ recent weddings.

The dispute has raised broader questions about how public figures within the royal circle manage private grievances, particularly those involving grief and loss. While Spencer frames his narrative as championing Diana’s memory, others view the publication as self-serving and potentially harmful to the cohesion of the royal family, especially in the ongoing challenges faced by her sons, Princes William and Harry.

Some commentators suggest that Princess Diana herself, known for her compassion, might have disapproved of the public airing of such conflicts, especially given King Charles’s current health struggles. The renewed rift between family members is seen by some as detracting from efforts to heal and move forward.

Despite the tensions, there is agreement on one point: the image of Diana’s sons following her coffin in 1997 was deeply painful and unpopular with many observers at the time. Beyond that, critics urge caution, suggesting that addressing longstanding grievances through public dispute may ultimately do more harm than good.