King Charles Denies Earl Spencer's Claim He Wanted Diana Forgotten After Her Death

The controversy began when extracts from a forthcoming memoir by Earl Spencer, Princess Diana's brother, were published. In the book, he alleges that King Charles told him, "we'll forget her soon enough," just days after Diana died in a car accident in 1997.

The alleged comment was reportedly made during a heated phone conversation between Earl Spencer and then-Prince Charles. The discussion centered on whether Diana's sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, should walk behind their mother's coffin at her funeral.

On September 16, 2026, the claims from Earl Spencer's memoir were reported widely, drawing immediate public attention and criticism. The book's revelations were first published by the Daily Mail and quickly picked up by major outlets.

That same day, Buckingham Palace responded with a rare public statement. The palace did not directly deny the specific words but suggested that grief can cloud both judgment and memory. The statement implied that recollections from such a traumatic period should be treated with caution.

Several news organizations highlighted the unusually strong and swift nature of the palace's response. Media coverage noted that the royal family typically avoids responding to personal allegations but made an exception in this case given the sensitivity and seriousness of the claim.

Despite the uproar, King Charles and other senior royals continued with their scheduled public engagements. Reports confirmed that there were no changes to the royal calendar, indicating an effort to project stability amid the controversy.

The dispute remains unresolved, with Earl Spencer standing by his account and Buckingham Palace firmly pushing back against the accuracy of his memory. The palace's statement has not quelled all public criticism, and the story remains a topic of heated debate in the UK.

For now, the royal family continues its public duties, while Earl Spencer's memoir is expected to generate more discussion and scrutiny once it is officially released.

Attention will turn to the full publication of Earl Spencer's memoir, which may contain further claims about the royal family and Diana's final days. Observers will also watch for any additional responses from King Charles or the palace if new revelations emerge.