Earl Spencer Accuses King Charles of Gaslighting Over Diana Claims
Earl Spencer has accused King Charles of gaslighting him over a supposed remark about Princess Diana, prompting Buckingham Palace to issue a statement. The dispute centers on a claim that the king said, “we’ll forget her soon enough,” during a heated discussion about Diana’s funeral arrangements. S…
By Felo News Desk · Published
The debate over Princess Diana’s legacy has taken a new turn as Earl Spencer, the late princess’s brother, has publicly accused King Charles of gaslighting him. The claim stems from an alleged remark the king made during a heated argument about whether Princes William and Harry should walk in Diana’s funeral procession. Spencer says the king told him, “we’ll forget her soon enough,” a statement that the palace has denied and described as a distortion of memory influenced by grief.
What Happened?
In a recently published memoir titled Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, Earl Spencer recounts a confrontation with the future king in the days after Diana’s death in 1997. According to Spencer, the king’s comment was made during a row over the funeral procession, when the earl questioned whether the young princes should join the march. Spencer claims the king’s words were “monstrous” and that he felt the king was gaslighting him, forcing him to doubt his own recollection of the conversation.
The palace’s response, issued by a spokesman, was that the king’s statement was not made and that the earl’s account could be influenced by the “pain of fraternal grief” which can cloud memory. The spokesperson added that the palace does not comment on books as a matter of principle, but noted that grief can affect judgment even many years later.
Background on the Family Rift
Earl Spencer, born Charles Spencer, has long been a vocal critic of the royal family’s handling of Diana’s death. He famously delivered a raw eulogy at the funeral that was broadcast worldwide and has since written several books about his sister’s life. The current dispute adds to a series of public disagreements that have included accusations of financial motives and claims of misrepresentation.
The alleged conversation took place in the context of a broader debate over the funeral arrangements. The earl argued that the young princes should not be forced to walk in the procession, while the king reportedly insisted on maintaining tradition. The tension escalated to the point where Spencer says the king “went ballistic” and began questioning the earl’s sense of duty before ultimately saying the now‑famous line.
Spencer’s Reaction and the Palace’s Defence
Following the publication of the memoir, Spencer took to the media to denounce the palace’s statement as gaslighting. He described the response as a “poor imitation” of Queen Elizabeth’s famous “recollections may vary” remark used in 2021 to deflect criticism from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Spencer also claimed that he had informed close friends and family immediately after the alleged remark, stating that it was “so monstrous” he could not keep it to himself.
The palace’s spokesman, while not repeating the king’s words, emphasized that grief can alter perception. The statement was carefully worded to avoid a direct denial while acknowledging the emotional weight of the event. This approach mirrors the royal family’s typical handling of sensitive matters, where they often issue neutral statements that leave room for interpretation.
What’s Next?
As the debate continues, no formal investigation has been announced. The palace has reiterated its stance that it does not comment on books. Earl Spencer has indicated that he will continue to defend his memoir and the authenticity of his memories. The royal family’s response remains limited to the statement issued last week, and no further public clarification has been provided by King Charles or Buckingham Palace.
Meanwhile, the memoir’s release has already sparked discussions about the role of personal narrative in shaping public perception of the monarchy. With the book already available, readers and critics alike are examining the claims for consistency and potential bias.
Why This Matters
The dispute highlights the enduring sensitivity surrounding Princess Diana’s death and the royal family’s handling of it. It also underscores the challenges of reconciling personal memory with official narratives, especially when emotions run high decades after the fact.
Key facts
- Earl Spencer claims King Charles gaslit him over a disputed remark about Diana
- Buckingham Palace denies the claim, citing grief’s effect on memory
- The dispute centers on a heated discussion about the princes’ participation in Diana’s funeral
- Spencer’s memoir has already sparked controversy over its portrayal of royal dynamics
- No formal investigation has been announced, leaving the dispute unresolved
- The royal family’s response follows a pattern of neutral, non‑denial statements
Why it matters
The clash over memory and narrative exposes the fragile nature of royal history and the enduring impact of Princess Diana’s death on the monarchy’s public image.
Frequently asked questions
What is gaslighting?
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where a person is made to doubt their own memories or perceptions.
Did King Charles ever say “we’ll forget her soon enough”?
The palace denies that the king made this remark; it is only reported by Earl Spencer in his memoir.
What is the palace’s typical response to such disputes?
Buckingham Palace usually issues neutral statements that avoid direct denial while acknowledging emotional context.
Will there be an official investigation?
No official investigation has been announced as of now.
How has the public reacted?
The public reaction has been mixed, with some supporting Spencer’s claims and others defending the royal family’s stance.
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk
- [2] dailymail.co.uk
