World · Malaysia Bureau
Diana's Brother Reignites Controversy Over King Charles's Reaction to Princess's Death
Charles Spencer's forthcoming memoir contains claims about the now-monarch's demeanor following Princess Diana's fatal 1997 car crash, reviving long-standing questions about the royal family's response to her death.
LSN Malaysia ·
The Earl Spencer has alleged in his upcoming book that King Charles displayed an unexpectedly buoyant mood in the immediate aftermath of Princess Diana's death in a Paris automobile accident 27 years ago. The claims, contained in Spencer's memoir 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister', describe Charles as appearing "giddily elated" during the period following the princess's fatal crash on August 31, 1997.
The allegations have triggered fresh scrutiny of how senior royals reacted to Diana's sudden death, an event that shook the monarchy and sent shockwaves through the global public. The princess, who was married to King Charles's then-wife, died alongside Dodi Fayed and driver Henri Paul when their vehicle crashed in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel while being pursued by paparazzi.
Spencer's recollections as a firsthand observer to events surrounding Diana's death carry particular weight given his prominent position within the royal sphere and his documented role in key moments during that turbulent period. The memoir's publication is expected to intensify ongoing discussions about institutional responses to the tragedy and the relationships between senior members of the royal household.
The timing of these revelations comes as the royal family continues to manage its public image under King Charles's reign, which began following Queen Elizabeth II's death in September 2022.