Earl Charles Spencer's newly released memoir has caused significant turmoil within the British royal family. The book alleges that King Charles III reacted with joy to the passing of Princess Diana, sparking anger from both the monarch and Prince William.
The "giddily elated" claim and the 1997 funeral dispute
In the memoir published by Penguin Press, Earl Charles Spencer recounts a volatile confrontation with the man then known as Prince Charles regarding the 1997 funeral arrangements for Princess Diana. Specifically, Spencer describes an argument over the decision for Prince William, then 15, and Prince Harry, then 12, to walk behind their mother's coffin during the procession. according to the report, Spencer claims that King Charles III sounded "giddily elated," comparing his tone to that of a lottery winner following the death of the 36-year-old princess.
The memoir further alleges that King Charles III became "ballistic" during this exchange and hissed that the young princes would soon forget their mother. As reported by Fox News Digital, Spencer also asserts that the King later gaslit him regarding the details of this conversation. These claims strike at the heart of the King's public image, reopening wounds from one of the most scrutinized periods in the history of the British monarchy.
Prince William's sense of betrayal by his uncle's promise
While King Charles III is reportedly angry at the attack on his character, the reaction from Prince William is described as more complex. Kinsey Schofield, speaking to Fox News Digital, noted that Prince William likely feels a profound sense of betrayal. This sentiment stems from the fact that Earl Charles Spencer famously promised at Princess Diana's funeral that her blood family would protect her sons, yet is now the one dredging up traumatic childhood memories for a public audience.
Prince William's frustration is compounded by his position as the future king. Because the monarchy is the institution Prince William will eventually inherit, the public attacks on his father by a close relatie are seen as damaging to the stability of the crown. The tension highlights a recurring conflict between the Spencer family's personal grievances and the royal family's need for institutional continuity.
Why Earl Charles Spencer used Penguin Press to challenge "untruths"
Earl Charles Spencer has defended his decision to publish these memories, telling the BBC that he is speaking the truth.. He expressed a desire to document his own recollections of Princess Diana "once and for all" to avoid the discomfort of reading other people's accounts, which he claims are often based on untruths. This move follows a broader trend of royal insiders and relatives using memoirs to seize control of their own narratives, often at the expense of the palace's preferred silence.
The publication of the memoir comes at a time when the royal family is attempting to move past the controversies of the 1990s. However, as the Associated Press reported, critics have questioned why Spencer chose to revisit these traumatic events nearly 30 years later. By publishing through Penguin Press, Spencer has ensured that his version of the 1997 tragedy reaches a global audience, making it impossible for the palace to simply ignore the allegations.
Whether King Charles III is "furious or embarrassed" by the memoir
The official response from the monarchy has been measured but pointed. A statement from Buckingham Palace noted that His Majesty is mindful that "fraternal grief can cloud reason" and affect memory over many years. This suggests the palace is framing Spencer's claims as the result of distorted memories rather than factual errors. Despite this, a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace told Fox News Digital they had no further comment, and Kensington Palace maintained its policy of not commenting on books.
One significant point of contention remains: whether the King's reaction is one of genuine anger or deep embarrassment. This specific question was posed by Earl Charles Spencer to the BBC, and it remains unanswered by the royal households. Furthermore, it is still unclear if Prince Harry has provided any corroboration or commentary regarding the specific conversation Spencer describes between the King and the Spencer family in 1997.
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