Charles Spencer releases memoir Swan Song detailing clashes with King Charles III over Diana

Publication and royal response

On 22 September 2026, Charles Spencer published his memoir, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, translated into 12 languages with a Spanish edition following on 23 September. The volume chronicles his relationship with his sister, Princess Diana, and levels criticism at King Charles III regarding his conduct after her death on 31 August 1997 in Paris. Spencer recounts a telephone call hours after the fatal crash, stating that the then-Prince of Wales spoke with unexpected lightness and sounded as if he had won the lottery. Buckingham Palace issued an official statement ahead of the launch addressing the leaked excerpts.

The grief of losing a sibling can cloud reason, alter judgment and bias memories in ways that others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss.

Dispute over the funeral procession

A primary dispute detailed in the book concerns Princess Diana's funeral service at Westminster Abbey, an event Spencer describes as mental torture. Spencer writes that he objected to having Prince William, then aged 15, and Prince Harry, then aged 12, walk behind their mother's coffin. He alleges that the then-Prince of Wales insisted the boys participate, claimed the Spencer family lacked a sense of duty, and told him that Diana would soon be forgotten. Speaking on television with BBC journalist Laura Kuenssberg, Spencer maintained the accuracy of his recollections and questioned whether the monarch was furious or embarrassed.

I am telling the truth. I can tell you here and now that those were exactly the words he said.

Allegations regarding Mohammed Al-Fayed

The memoir also details allegations against the late Egyptian businessman Mohammed Al-Fayed, whose son Dodi Al-Fayed died in the 1997 car crash alongside Diana. Spencer writes that the former owner of Harrods sexually harassed Diana by touching her inappropriately and telling her that in Egypt the father-in-law tests the bride first. Spencer notes that his sister felt deep revulsion toward Al-Fayed following the encounter. He also states that Diana's relationship with Dodi was a temporary reaction intended to make Pakistani surgeon Hasnat Khan jealous, writing that he was convinced the two would never have married.

Family reflections and security remarks

Spencer recounts breaking protocol beneath an archway during the funeral cortege to embrace Prince Harry and offer words of encouragement. He notes observing a lack of attention toward Harry on the return train journey following the funeral service. During promotional interviews, Spencer stated that Prince Harry and Meghan should receive official security in the United Kingdom following their return after six years in the United States, arguing that their media coverage resembles the treatment Diana received. Spencer stated that following this book release, he will not speak publicly about his sister again.