Earl Spencer Claims Charles Sounded 'Giddily Elated' After Diana's Death
Earl Spencer's new memoir, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, alleges King Charles sounded 'giddily elated – like a lottery winner' in a phone call after Princess Diana's death in 1997. The book also claims Buckingham Palace wanted William and Harry to walk behind Diana's coffin to protect Charles from public abuse.
Earl Spencer has claimed that King Charles sounded «giddily elated – like a lottery winner» in a phone call immediately after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, according to extracts from his forthcoming memoir. The book, titled Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, alleges that some figures at Buckingham Palace were «relieved» at her death in 1997.
The extracts, published in a UK newspaper, also state that Earl Spencer believed Buckingham Palace wanted Prince William and Prince Harry, along with himself, to walk behind Diana's coffin because the then Prince Charles was «adamant» he would join the procession. Palace officials reportedly feared that members of the public might shout abuse at Charles during the funeral.
The memoir, which contains a number of allegations concerning Charles and Diana's marriage, has already generated significant attention ahead of its full release. The claim about Charles's tone during the phone call is among the most striking revelations to emerge so far.
According to the published extracts, Earl Spencer describes the conversation as leaving him with the impression that Charles was «giddily elated». He also suggests that some in Buckingham Palace were «relieved» at Diana's death, though the extracts do not specify which individuals he refers to.
The decision to have William and Harry walk behind their mother's coffin was a highly sensitive matter at the time. Earl Spencer's account indicates that Charles was determined to take part in the procession, and that palace officials were concerned about the potential for hostile public reaction. The presence of the young princes alongside their uncle and father was ultimately seen as a way to manage both security and public sentiment.
The book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, is the latest in a series of memoirs and accounts to revisit the events surrounding Diana's death and its aftermath. It is expected to reignite debate over the royal family's conduct during that period.
Buckingham Palace has not commented on the extracts. The claims are likely to be examined closely by royal historians and commentators, particularly given Earl Spencer's position as Diana's brother and his role in the funeral arrangements.
The publication of the memoir comes amid continued public interest in Diana's legacy and the relationship between her sons and the monarchy. The extracts have been reported widely in the UK media, with further revelations anticipated as the book's release date approaches.
Earl Spencer has previously spoken about his sister's death and his concerns regarding the funeral arrangements. His new memoir is expected to provide a more detailed personal account of those events and their impact on the Spencer family.
