Charles Spencer Reveals Tense Conversation with King Charles About Diana

In his new book, Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, recounts a 1997 phone conversation with the then-Prince Charles, in which the monarch allegedly stated that the family would forget Princess Diana soon after her death. The episode, described in "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister", also addresses the decision to allow William and Harry, then aged 15 and 12, to walk behind Diana's coffin in her funeral procession.

Charles's Reaction to the Family Procession

Spencer recounts attempting to prevent the princes' presence in the procession, arguing that the experience would be traumatic for the boys. He states that the decision was communicated in the days leading up to the ceremony in London, and that the king responded with a comment he interpreted as disdain for the global outpouring of grief over Diana's death.

Details of the Tense Conversation

According to the author, the discussion grew tense after Spencer compared his nephews' situation to the then-Prince Charles's experience in 1979, when he attended Lord Mountbatten's funeral. The dialogue reportedly took place a few days after the car crash in Paris in 1997.

Book Launch and Security

The book, published by Companhia das Letras, is scheduled for release on September 22. Four copies were stolen from a truck in the Netherlands before reaching bookstores, and Dutch police have opened an investigation. A source from the publishing market described the incident as "highly suspicious" and highlighted the stringent security measures adopted to prevent leaks.

Book's Purpose and Spencer's Statements

In a press statement, Spencer affirmed that the book's objective is to tell the truth about Diana from her brother's perspective, and that the publication marks the first time he has spoken openly and extensively about the princess. He also mentioned that the work was motivated by requests to clarify Diana's memory, especially with the approaching 30th anniversary of her death.

Buckingham Palace Statement

The palace issued a rare statement when questioned about the book's content, asserting that, as a matter of principle, it does not comment on books, but acknowledged that the pain of grief can cloud reason and affect memory. The spokesperson emphasized that the Royal Household does not comment on books but responded to Spencer's accusation.

With information from UOL, Globo, VEJA.