Charles Spencer has revealed an important detail about how Prince William and Prince Harry learned about his new book on their late mother, Princess Diana.
The 9th Earl Spencer said he told both royal brothers about his memoir, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, at exactly the same time. He also shared the news with Diana’s sisters, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes.
Spencer explained that he kept the project private while writing it, with only a small number of people knowing about the memoir before he eventually informed the family.
Speaking to PEOPLE at Althorp, Spencer made clear that William and Harry were not told separately. According to him, all four family members were informed together about the book.
He also addressed Prince Harry’s reaction to the memoir. Spencer said Harry was concerned about whether anything embarrassing about him might appear in the book, but he reassured the Duke of Sussex that there was nothing of that kind.
Spencer explained that William and Harry do appear in the memoir, but mainly in connection with their childhood and their relationship with their mother. He said he was careful not to compromise their privacy.
The memoir focuses heavily on Spencer’s memories of Diana and his perspective on her life, family relationships and the years following her death in 1997. The book is being released as interest in Diana’s story remains strong ahead of the 30th anniversary of her death.
Spencer also acknowledged that William and Harry could have been concerned about how their father, King Charles, would be portrayed. He said there was material he could have included but chose not to turn the memoir into a scandal-focused book.
The publication has nevertheless attracted significant attention because of Spencer’s personal recollections about Diana and the royal family. Buckingham Palace has also responded to some of the claims connected with the memoir, disputing aspects of Spencer’s account.
For William and Harry, Spencer’s latest comments confirm that both brothers received the same advance information about the memoir rather than learning about it separately.
Key Takeaways:
- Charles Spencer said Prince William and Prince Harry were told about his Diana memoir at exactly the same time.
- Lady Sarah and Lady Jane were also informed alongside the royal brothers.
- Spencer said Prince Harry was concerned about how he might be portrayed in the book.
- He reassured Harry that the memoir would not compromise his privacy.
- Swan Song: Diana, My Sister explores Spencer’s personal memories of Princess Diana and their family life.
- The memoir has drawn fresh attention because of its claims and Spencer’s perspective on the royal family.
