London – Buckingham Palace broke its usual silence on Thursday, issuing a brief statement on behalf of King Charles III after the Daily Mail published excerpts from Earl Charles Spencer’s forthcoming memoir, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister. The book alleges that the King, still grieving his sister‑in‑law, expressed anger toward Princess Diana and opposed the decision to have Prince William and Prince Harry walk behind her coffin at the 1997 funeral.
Spencer’s Allegations
According to the excerpt, Spencer claims the King said, “Rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough!” and described his feelings as “pent‑up contempt” for Diana. He also alleges that Charles objected to the boys, then 15 and 12, walking behind their mother’s casket, calling the arrangement “bizarre and cruel.”
Palace Response
The palace’s statement, released through People magazine, emphasized that the royal household does not comment on unpublished books, but added that “His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss.” The wording underscores the King’s compassion while subtly refuting the more inflammatory claims.
Historical Context
Princess Diana died in August 1997 after a car crash in Paris’s Pont de l’Alma tunnel, which also claimed the lives of her partner Dodi Fayed and driver Henri Paul. At the time, Charles and Diana had been divorced for a year; they had married in 1981, separated in 1992, and finalized their divorce in 1996.
Prince Harry, in his 2023 memoir Spare, recalled the funeral decision, describing it as “barbaric” and noting that several adults were “aghast.” He wrote that he told the royal family, “You can’t make these boys walk behind their mother’s coffin! It’s barbaric.”
Previous Comments
Spencer is not new to criticizing the funeral arrangement. In a 2017 interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today, he called the decision “bizarre and cruel.” The Earl’s comments have sparked renewed debate among royal watchers about the handling of Diana’s funeral and the emotional impact on her sons.
Public Reaction
Reactions to the palace’s statement have been mixed. Some royal observers appreciate the measured tone, noting that grief can indeed affect recollection. Others remain skeptical, pointing to the vivid language in Spencer’s manuscript as evidence of lingering family tensions.
Regardless of the differing viewpoints, the palace’s decision to respond at all is notable. Historically, the royal family has avoided public comment on private family matters, especially those involving the late Princess of Wales. This rare statement signals a desire to address misinformation while maintaining the dignity of the Crown.
Looking Ahead
Swan Song: Diana, My Sister is scheduled for release on Tuesday, September 22. As the memoir hits shelves, further scrutiny of the royal family’s past decisions is expected. For now, the palace’s brief response serves as a reminder that even the most private grief can become a matter of public interest.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
