Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, has reignited tensions with the royal family by alleging that King Charles III made callous remarks about his late sister shortly after her tragic death in 1997.
Why it matters: The allegations come at a sensitive time as Earl Spencer prepares to release his memoir, which will likely be a candid reflection on his sister's life and the royal family's response to her death.
Earl Spencer claims King Charles, then the Prince of Wales, said, "we'll forget her soon enough" during a phone call shortly after Diana's death.
The comments were allegedly made during a heated discussion about whether Princes William and Harry should walk in Diana’s funeral procession.
This public feud could deepen the rift between the Spencer family and the monarchy, especially as Spencer’s book is set to be published next week.
Driving the news: In an exclusive interview with the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, Spencer insisted he is "telling the truth" about the phone call, asserting that he was "hyper alert" during their brief conversations.
He recounted that he has only ever spoken to Charles twice, making him confident in recalling the exact words spoken during their last exchange.
Spencer described his shock at Charles's comment, stating, "I cannot believe you just said that," before hanging up the phone.
The Palace responded to Spencer's claims, emphasizing that "the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason" in a statement that has been interpreted as an attempt to undermine Spencer's account.
The big picture: The remarks from Earl Spencer highlight a long-standing tension between the royal family and the Spencer family, particularly concerning how Diana's legacy is remembered.
In his upcoming book, titled Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, Spencer also accuses Charles of showing a "lack of obvious care" for Prince Harry in the aftermath of Diana's death.
He recalled feeling a deep concern for Harry, who was just 12 years old at the time, describing him as looking "too small" and "bereft" during the funeral.
Spencer's accusations have led to renewed scrutiny of the royal family's actions and attitudes during a period marked by public mourning and private turmoil.
What they're saying: Earl Spencer has not shied away from expressing his feelings about the royal family’s treatment of Diana and her legacy.
He labeled Charles's comments as "monstrous," reinforcing his position that the King lacked empathy in the aftermath of his sister's tragic passing.
In discussing the Palace's response, Spencer questioned Charles's emotional state, asking, "Is he furious or is he embarrassed?" in light of the allegations.
Piers Morgan, a media personality and commentator, echoed Spencer’s sentiments, describing the accusations as an "astonishing attack on the Monarch," which he shared on social media.
By the numbers: Spencer has publicly stated he had only two calls with King Charles throughout his life, making the significance of this single exchange even more pronounced.
The phone call in question took place days after Diana's death on August 31, 1997, during a time of intense grief for the family.
Spencer's memoir is set to be released next week, on September 26, 2026, and is expected to contain more details about his experiences and views on the royal family.
Historically, Diana's funeral on September 6, 1997, drew an estimated 2.5 million mourners in London, highlighting the public's affection for her.
What's next: As the release of Earl Spencer's memoir approaches, the royal family may face increased scrutiny over their past actions and statements related to Diana.
Spencer's comments could reignite public interest in the dynamics between the Spencer family and the monarchy, especially among Diana's supporters.
With the book set to hit shelves soon, it is uncertain how Buckingham Palace will respond to any additional revelations contained within its pages.
The public and media alike will likely continue to dissect the implications of Spencer's claims as they resonate with the broader narrative surrounding the royal family.