New controversy arises over Earl Spencer's book about Princess Diana

Nearly three decades after the death of Princess Diana, a new book by her brother, Charles Spencer, titled "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister," has sparked a public confrontation with Buckingham Palace. Set to be released on September 22, 2026, the book alleges that shortly after Diana's passing in 1997, the then-Prince Charles told Spencer during a tense telephone conversation: "Rest assured, we will forget her soon enough.

Spencer claims this comment was made while they were arguing over whether Diana’s sons, William and Harry—then 15 and 12 years old, respectively—should walk behind their mother’s coffin during the funeral procession. The allegation has dominated headlines in the British press, with outlets like the Daily Mirror describing the claim as shocking.

In an unusually sharp response, Buckingham Palace broke its tradition of not commenting on private literary works. The Palace stated that the pain of losing a sibling can cloud judgment and alter the way events are remembered, even after many years. There are no indications of further legal actions or follow-up statements from the royal household at this stage.