Spencer Memoir Rekindles Controversy Over Diana

Charles Spencer’s memoir, *Swan Song: Diana, My Sister*, has reignited controversy over Princess Diana’s life and death. Spencer alleges that Martin Bashir used forged documents and manipulative claims to secure Diana’s 1995 BBC *Panorama* interview, and says King Charles remarked after Diana’s 1997 death, “we’ll forget her soon enough”; he also recounts a dispute over whether Princes William and Harry should walk behind their mother’s coffin. Buckingham Palace has disputed Spencer’s portrayal, while former royal butler Paul Burrell said Charles was devastated and questioned Spencer’s account of his own involvement in Diana’s later years; former protection officer Ken Wharfe defended Spencer’s right to tell her story but noted a factual error. Spencer apologized for wrongly identifying Piers Morgan as Daily Mirror editor when the paper published intrusive photographs of Diana, and Morgan says he is suing Spencer and the publishers over alleged falsehoods. Spencer has said he supports both of Diana’s sons and will not take sides in their rift; he has also compared the media scrutiny of Harry and Meghan with Diana’s experience. Broadcaster David Dimbleby has said Diana’s popularity and unconventional approach were resented at the Palace, and warned that disputes over royal recollections distract from wider questions about the monarchy’s wealth, privileges and relationship with the public.