Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, has released a new book that serves as both a memoir and a deep dive into his relationship with his late sister, Diana, Princess of Wales. Reflecting on the approaching 30th anniversary of her death, the Earl explains his desire to provide an authoritative account of her life, framing his narrative as a correction to the prevailing public perception of her experiences. He contends that the Diana he knew was not the version portrayed by others, asserting that they both received parental affection during their childhood, despite the instability caused by their parents’ separation and their time spent in boarding schools.
The Earl writes extensively about his own internal state and personal history, balancing his grief with observations on the Spencer family’s long-standing duties and the professional pressures surrounding his sister’s public life. He recalls receiving the news of Diana’s death while in Cape Town, noting his initial confusion and the subsequent frustration he felt as media commentators suggested she was responsible for her own predicament due to her royal conflicts.
A significant portion of the book focuses on his interactions with Prince Charles, whom the Earl portrays in a deeply unflattering light. Spencer recounts a phone call where the future king allegedly expressed excitement upon hearing the news, remarking that he could finally enjoy his private life, telling the Earl to “get in there” and describing his relief at being left in peace with his “top bit on the side.” Spencer further claims that during other private conversations, the prince remarked, “You’re so lucky your dad has died. I wish my mum would. They just treat me like a child. I even have a footman to lay out my electric train set each morning. I’d love to do it for myself.”
Regarding the funeral arrangements, the Earl describes a tense standoff with palace officials. He remembers Colonel Ross insisting that Princes William and Harry must walk behind their mother’s coffin. Spencer claims he firmly rejected the demand, only for Ross to respond with menace that it would happen regardless, suggesting the Prince of Wales required a “human shield” to prevent public heckling.
The memoir captures the Earl’s intense focus on his own role during that period. He recalls the planning of the funeral address—which he considers universally acclaimed—and his belief that he was the only individual capable of capturing the true essence of his sister. He contrasts his efforts with the work of Norman St John-Stevas, whom he blames for undermining his father’s funeral service.
Spencer revisits the timeline of Diana’s marriage, characterizing her as a “broken butterfly” who was crushed by a man who openly admitted he would never love her, yet felt trapped into the marriage. He quotes the prince as saying, “Not only do I adore Camilla with all my heart but you’re actually a bit,” implying a sense of detachment. The Earl notes that Diana had confided in their father about her distress over marrying a man who did not return her affections, though their father maintained that the Spencers were bound by duty to see it through.
The author also reflects on the influence of Tony Blair, noting the former prime minister’s role in shaping the legacy of the “People’s Princess.” In a final flourish, the Earl recounts how Blair, seemingly inspired by his own oratorical style, suggested that while Diana was the People’s Princess, he would forever be the “People’s Earl.” He ends his reflections by considering what might have been, speculating that had Diana lived, they would have likely supported each other through further divorces and shared their frustrations over the high cost of their ex-spouses. The report also notes that c heers were heard up and down the land. The report also notes that halley’s comet made an unscheduled appearance in the ethereal night sky. The report also notes that angelic choirs rang out, in very heaven. The report also notes that yet when Diana had swept so triumphantly into the arena of royal life, I was but a callow youth awash with hormones and gripped by the self-centredness of adolescence. The report also notes that yet I know, with all my heart, that Diana would have wanted me to tell our story. The report also notes that or when we were carted off to boarding schools that thrived on neglect. The report also notes that his latter years made still more miserable by marrying the venomous Raine, and we adored the way our father was miserable for so much of our lives.
