Charles Spencer’s Memoir ‘Swan Song’ Reveals Princess Diana’s Private World

Charles Spencer, Princess Diana’s younger brother, recently released his memoir, Swan Song, delving into previously unknown aspects of the late princess’s life. The book uncovers insights about Diana’s relationships and her experiences within the royal family.

Charles Spencer Reflects on Diana’s Death

Spencer recounts the morning of Diana’s tragic passing, recalling a conversation with then-Prince Charles. He found Charles’s demeanor unexpectedly upbeat given the situation, suggesting that Charles saw Diana’s death as an opportunity to marry the woman he loved.

“Rest assured … we’ll forget her soon enough!”

Charles reportedly remarked during funeral arrangements, leaving Spencer momentarily shocked.

There was tension between Charles and the Spencer family over funeral proceedings, particularly concerning Princes Harry and William walking behind their mother’s coffin. Spencer perceived Charles’s reaction as stemming from his deep-seated disdain for Diana and his frustration with the public’s adoration of her.

Diana’s Aspirations After Divorce

After Diana’s divorce, she developed a close relationship with heart surgeon Dr. Hasnat Khan. Spencer notes Diana entertained the notion of relocating to South Africa to live with Khan. This idea represented a desire to escape the pressures in England and lead a more ordinary life.

American Political Connection

Spencer reveals that Diana joked about becoming the First Lady of the United States, sparked by an American politician’s promise of a presidency if she married him. Diana found amusement in the prospect of the British royal family becoming envious of her potential new role.

The ‘Panorama’ Interview Turnabout

The interview Diana gave to Panorama nearly did not happen. Journalist Martin Bashir allegedly manipulated her into participating by feeding her misleading information about potential threats to her safety from surveillance.

Despite pulling out days prior, persistent persuasion by Bashir and his team convinced Diana of the need to proceed with the interview to protect herself from supposed danger.

Charles Spencer on Prince Charles’s Resentments

Spencer discusses a conversation with Charles after their father’s funeral, where Charles envied his inheritance at a young age. He felt constrained by his parents, yearning for more autonomy.

Additionally, Spencer shares an anecdote relayed by Diana about the Queen contemplating a surgery for Charles’s prominent ears, which Prince Philip dismissed.

Diana’s Personal Preferences

Spencer portrays Diana as having traditional feminine interests, such as collecting stuffed animals, gardening, and enjoying music by the Beatles and David Bowie. Her reading included romance novels by Barbara Cartland, and she was fond of the film The Sound of Music.

Spencer’s memoir comes as the world prepares to commemorate Diana on the upcoming 30th anniversary of her passing. Buckingham Palace has chosen not to comment further on the book’s revelations.