Extracts from Charles Spencer's forthcoming memoir allege King Charles made callous comments shortly after Princess Diana's death, prompting a rare and pointed rebuttal from Buckingham Palace. The book revives long-standing claims about Diana's troubled relationship with Charles and arrives amid other pressures on the royal family, including Prince Andrew's recent legal troubles and the return of Harry and Meghan to the UK. Senior royals continued public engagements as the palace navigates renewed scrutiny.
New Royal Scandal Overshadows King Charles' AI Summit as Memoir Extracts Rekindle Diana Controversy
Diana, Princess of Wales, during her official visit to Nigeria, in Lagos, on March 16, 1990. - Georges De Keerle/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
King Charles' effort to focus attention on a major summit about artificial intelligence was sidelined on Thursday after explosive extracts from a forthcoming memoir by Charles Spencer, the late Princess Diana's brother, dominated headlines and plunged the royal household back into turmoil.
British tabloids led with passages in which Spencer quotes the then Prince of Wales as saying, "we'll forget her soon enough," just days after Diana's death. Another excerpt alleges Charles sounded "giddily elated" on the night the princess died. The memoir, titled Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, is due next month; CNN has not reviewed the full book.
Buckingham Palace Response
While the palace said it does not normally comment on books, a spokesperson issued a pointed rebuttal noting that "the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and color memory in ways others do not recognize, even many years after such a loss." The statement questioned Spencer's judgment and underscored the sensitivity of the claims.
The revelations have reopened debate about the royal family's response to Diana's death in August 1997, when the 36-year-old princess died of internal injuries after a high-speed car crash in Paris. Her sons, then aged 15 and 12, marched in the funeral procession days later alongside Charles, from whom Diana was divorced.
The memoir revisits long-standing, widely reported anecdotes about Diana's marriage — including claims she found an item intended for Camilla, attempted to end the engagement, and was hurt by remarks about her appearance. Many of these accounts have appeared previously in biographies and news reports.
Earl Spencer, Prince William, Prince Harry and Prince Charles watch the coffin of the late Princess of Wales on the day of her funeral. - Tim Graham/Getty Images
Timing and Wider Royal Context
The timing of the extracts is particularly awkward for the monarchy. Earlier this year Prince Andrew, the king's brother, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office in connection with his former role as a UK trade envoy — a case that has already prompted intense scrutiny of the family. The surprise return of Prince Harry and Meghan to Britain has added further complications for senior royals.
Despite the controversy, members of the family continued with scheduled appearances. Prince Harry attended London's inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards this week, signaling he is not stepping away entirely from public life even though he and Meghan remain private citizens. Meanwhile, the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, visited the Isle of Bute in Scotland.
What Comes Next
With Spencer's book imminent, Buckingham Palace said it had "nothing further to add" beyond its initial statement. The memoir's publication is likely to prompt renewed media focus and public discussion of a highly sensitive chapter in modern royal history.
Reporting contributed by CNN's Lauren Kent and Issy Ronald. Image credit: Tim Graham/Getty Images.
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