Princess Diana's brother makes explosive claims about royals in new memoir

Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, has ignited a firestorm of controversy with the release of his new memoir, 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister.' Published on September 22, the book offers a deeply personal and often critical perspective on the life and tragic death of his sister, Diana, Princess of Wales. Spencer’s revelations have already dominated headlines, challenging long-standing narratives surrounding the British royal family and the circumstances that defined Diana's final years under the intense scrutiny of the global media.

Among the book's most striking claims are assertions regarding Diana's mental health, with Spencer suggesting she suffered from ADHD and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. He recounts a chilling phone conversation with the then-Prince Charles shortly after Diana's death, describing the future King as sounding 'giddily elated' and dismissive of her legacy. Spencer also alleges that Buckingham Palace officials used Princes William and Harry as a 'protective shield' during the funeral procession to prevent public abuse, a decision he vehemently opposed at the time.

This memoir revisits the painful aftermath of the 1997 car crash in Paris, a period marked by a significant rift between the Spencer family and the monarchy. Spencer, who famously delivered a searing eulogy at his sister's funeral, has long maintained that the royal family’s cold response to the tragedy and their treatment of Diana during her divorce—including the stripping of her 'Her Royal Highness' title—deeply wounded her. He argues that the intrusive tabloid culture, which the royals often failed to manage, was a primary driver of her suffering.

The publication has drawn a rare, albeit indirect, response from Buckingham Palace. While the institution typically adheres to a policy of silence, a spokesperson noted that the King is mindful that 'the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and color memory.' This reaction contrasts sharply with the silence that met Prince Harry’s memoir, 'Spare,' suggesting that Spencer’s claims have hit a particularly sensitive nerve within the royal establishment regarding the handling of Diana’s memory.

Looking ahead, the memoir serves as both a tribute and a corrective measure, as Spencer seeks to dismantle what he calls decades of 'untruths' perpetuated by outside biographers. While critics accuse him of capitalizing on his sister's legacy ahead of the 30th anniversary of her death, supporters view it as a necessary account from a primary witness. As the debate continues, the book ensures that Diana’s complex life and the systemic failures surrounding her remain at the center of public discourse for years to come.