King Charles III and Prince William are reportedly fuming over the release of the new book titled “Swan Song: Diana, My Sister,” which was published on Tuesday. The book, authored by Princess Diana’s brother Charles Spencer, makes several damaging allegations against the monarch and forces the royal family to relive some of its most difficult chapters.
In the book, Spencer claims he had a heated argument with the then-Prince Charles regarding the decision to have a 15-year-old William and a 12-year-old Harry walk behind their mother’s coffin during her 1997 funeral. Among the most startling accusations is the claim that shortly after Diana died in a car crash at age 36, Charles sounded, “giddily elated — like a lottery winner.” Spencer further alleges that during their argument, Charles hissed, “Rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough.”
Royal expert Kinsey Schofield told Fox News Digital that there is frustration and anger within both households, though the motivations differ. Schofield noted that for the king, the book represents an attack on his character nearly 30 years after the events took place.
Schofield explained that for Prince William, the situation feels like a betrayal
William is left to watch his uncle, who once vowed that Diana’s blood family would protect the princes, reopen traumatic childhood memories. Schofield added that William is likely questioning why his uncle would choose to dredge up disputed private conversations to attack the institution that William is set to inherit.
Princess Diana's brother, eyewitness to history, sparks royal ruckus https://t.co/3FK4XemhHu https://t.co/3FK4XemhHu
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Buckingham Palace issued a strongly worded statement following the release of excerpts last week. It said, “His Majesty is mindful 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.” A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace told Fox News Digital that it had no comment, while a spokesperson for Kensington Palace noted that the palace does not comment on books.
Not everyone is convinced by the narrative presented in the book. Author Christopher Andersen, who interviewed hundreds of sources for his own work, “The Day Diana Died,” expressed surprise at the claims. He noted that the accounts he gathered at the time portrayed Charles as being “crushed” by the news of Diana’s death.
According to Andersen, staff members witnessed the king reacting with deep emotion, even describing him as letting out a howl that sounded like a wounded animal. He suggested that the words Spencer claims to have heard might have been the reaction of a man on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
Andersen did acknowledge that the king has a history of making rash or cruel statements when angry. He also pointed out that the king likely knew he would be blamed for the unhappiness Diana experienced during her life.
Behind the scenes, Queen Camilla is reportedly trying to lower the temperature. A source told Radar Online that she does not believe anything is gained by turning personal disagreements into a hostile public battle.
Meanwhile, royal expert Hilary Fordwich noted that William is not close to his uncle and is said to be absolutely furious. As the book continues its global rollout, Spencer has insisted to the BBC that he is telling the truth, leaving the royal family to navigate yet another wave of public scrutiny.
