Earl Spencer Publishes Swan Song, and the Royal Fallout Begins
Earl Spencer has published his long-awaited memoir, “Swan Song: Diana, My Sister,” and it has already sparked a public war of words with the royal family. The book came out on September 22, 2026, in several countries at once. However, it isn’t just a family tribute. It also makes pointed claims about King Charles that drew an unusual response from Buckingham Palace.
Why the Earl Spencer Book Matters
Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, has written many books. Yet he says this one is the most personal of the ten he has published over three decades.
Here’s why it has drawn so much attention:
- It is the first time he has spoken at length about his sister in his own words.
- It arrives ahead of the 30th anniversary of Diana’s death in August 1997.
- It contains disputed claims about how the royal family behaved in the days after her death.
Additionally, the book runs 384 pages in its English edition. Penguin Random House released it in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and Ireland.
What Earl Spencer Claims in Swan Song
Reports say Earl Spencer writes about several painful moments in Diana’s life. It’s important to note these are his personal claims, and the royal family has not accepted them.
On Diana’s Marriage
He describes remarks made to Diana shortly after her engagement that she found deeply hurtful. He also says she lost a significant amount of weight between her engagement and her wedding.
On the Days After Her Death
The most contested material covers the funeral period. Earl Spencer says a phone call from the then Prince of Wales after the crash felt strangely matter-of-fact. He also describes his memories of the funeral procession, including how small and grief-stricken Prince Harry looked.
On Family Tensions
The book also revisits the troubled relationship between Diana and her stepmother, Raine Spencer, and touches on the wider Spencer family history.
The Palace Response and Earl Spencer’s Reply
The claims about King Charles led to what has been described as an unprecedented response from Buckingham Palace. As a result, the story quickly moved beyond book reviews and into headline news.
Earl Spencer then defended his account. In a BBC interview, he stood by his claims and accused the Palace of gaslighting him. Consequently, both sides are now publicly at odds over how the events of 1997 should be remembered.
How Critics Have Reviewed Swan Song
Early reviews are mixed. Some praise the emotional weight of a brother’s account. Others push back on how the claims are supported.
- One reviewer criticized the book for citing very few sources.
- The same critic said Spencer made little attempt to verify his own claims.
- Other headlines have described it as both a heartfelt tribute and a deeply critical portrait of the royals.
Therefore, readers should treat the book as one person’s perspective rather than settled fact.
A Quick Look at Earl Spencer’s Background
Charles Edward Maurice Spencer was born on May 20, 1964, and became the 9th Earl Spencer in 1992 after his father’s death. He worked as a correspondent for NBC News from 1986 to 1995. Today he is a historian, author, and broadcaster, and he lives at Althorp in Northamptonshire, where Diana is buried.
In September 1997, he gave the now-famous eulogy for Diana at Westminster Abbey.
Common Questions About Earl Spencer’s Memoir
When was Swan Song published?
It was published on September 22, 2026.
What is Swan Song about?
It’s Earl Spencer’s account of Princess Diana’s life, from a brother’s perspective.
Has the Palace responded?
Yes. Reports describe an unprecedented response, and Spencer has replied by accusing the Palace of gaslighting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t treat the book’s claims as confirmed facts; they are Earl Spencer’s own account.
- Don’t assume the royal family agrees with any of the book’s version of events.
- Don’t confuse Swan Song with Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare”; they are separate books by different authors.
Conclusion
Earl Spencer’s Swan Song has turned a family tribute into a major royal story, with sharp claims, a Palace response, and a public disagreement that is still unfolding. Whether readers see it as a brother’s honest grief or a one-sided account, the book has reopened debate about Diana’s final years. As the 30th anniversary of her death approaches, expect the conversation around Swan Song to continue.
