Earl Spencer claims King Charles was giddily elated after Diana's death

Earl Spencer's Account of King Charles's Reaction to Diana's Death

Earl Spencer, the brother of Princess Diana, has made a claim that King Charles was "giddily elated" and sounded like a "lottery winner" when he called him after Diana's death. According to Earl Spencer, King Charles's phone call following the car crash in 1997 "all sounded strangely matter-of-fact". He writes: "Unlike my other callers, who were stunned, barely able to articulate their condolences and offers of help, he sounded giddily elated – like a lottery winner, I remember thinking at the time." Earl Spencer's memoir, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, aims to correct "untruths" about Diana.

Buckingham Palace's Response

Buckingham Palace has responded to the claims, stating that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment, and color memory. A spokesman for the King said: "While we do not comment on books as a matter of principle, His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment, and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss." This response is similar to the late Queen Elizabeth II's statement on Prince Harry and Meghan's allegations of racism within the royal family, where she said "recollections may vary".

Earl Spencer's Account of Diana's Funeral

Earl Spencer also alleges that King Charles took the responsibility of organizing Diana's funeral away from the Spencer family and onto the royal family, and that the palace ignored Diana's request to have Mozart's Requiem played for her. He writes: "Diana remained theirs, in Buckingham Palace's eyes, even in death. Her family, despite her divorce, were simply expected to fall into line with any royal decisions." Earl Spencer was vehemently opposed to the decision to have William and Harry walk behind their mother's coffin at her funeral.

Diana's Troubled Marriage

In his memoir, Earl Spencer writes about his sister's troubled marriage to King Charles. He claims that a friend of Diana's had told him that on the eve of their wedding in July 1981, Prince Charles had told her that he was "very happy to marry her, but… not actually in love with her". Earl Spencer also believes his sister had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and suffered from Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, which he describes as an "intense emotional pain in the face of others' rejection or criticism".

Diana's Struggles with Mental Health

Earl Spencer also writes about his sister's struggles with mental health. He claims that in her later years, Diana considered taking her own life on more than one occasion but love for her sons "stopped her from going further". He writes: "It is a sad fact that, in her later years, Diana drove herself more than once to Beachy Head, the highest chalk sea cliff in England, while contemplating ending it all. Her love for her sons stopped her from going further."

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Earl Spencer's book about?

Earl Spencer's book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, aims to correct "untruths" about Princess Diana and provides an account of her life and death.

What is Buckingham Palace's response to Earl Spencer's claims?

Buckingham Palace has responded to the claims, stating that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment, and color memory.

What is the significance of Earl Spencer's claims about King Charles's reaction to Diana's death?

Earl Spencer's claims suggest that King Charles may have been relieved by Diana's death, which could have implications for the public's perception of the royal family.

The controversy surrounding Earl Spencer's book is likely to continue, with many questioning the timing and motives behind the publication. As the book's release date approaches, it remains to be seen how the public will respond to the allegations and whether they will support Earl Spencer's account of events. The royal family's response to the book will also be closely watched, as they navigate the sensitive and complex issues surrounding Princess Diana's death. With the 30th anniversary of Diana's tragic death approaching, the debate surrounding her life and legacy is sure to continue, and Earl Spencer's book is likely to be a major part of that conversation.