King Charles ‘lottery winner’ after Diana’s death

Earl Spencer’s memoir claims that Prince Charles, then Prince of Wales, sounded “giddily elated” in the hours after Princess Diana’s fatal crash, suggesting a relief at being free to marry again. The book also accuses the future king of dismissing Diana’s wishes for her funeral and of making dismis…

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 17 Sep 2026 22:06:21 GMT

In a series of revelations that have sent shockwaves through the British royal family, Earl Spencer, the late Princess Diana’s brother, has accused the former Prince of Wales of acting like a “lottery winner” in the immediate aftermath of her death. The claims, drawn from excerpts of Spencer’s forthcoming memoir, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, suggest that Charles’s reaction was one of giddy elation, a stark contrast to the grief that would have been expected. The allegations have prompted a formal response from Buckingham Palace and have added fuel to an already tense family dynamic, especially in the wake of Prince Harry’s return to the UK.

What the Memoir Claims

According to Spencer, the then‑Prince of Wales spoke on the phone shortly after the 1997 car crash that killed Diana and her companion Dodi al‑Fayed. The earl describes the prince’s tone as “giddily elated,” likening it to a lottery winner. He further alleges that Charles told him, in a “stream of anger,” that the world would soon forget Diana, a remark that would have been seen as dismissive of the late princess’s legacy.

Spencer also claims that Charles was dismissive of Diana’s funeral wishes, arguing that she would not have wanted her sons William and Harry to walk behind her coffin. The memoir suggests that the future king’s comments were driven more by a desire to move on and to free himself to marry his long‑time partner, Camilla Parker Bowles, than by genuine mourning.

Context: The Royal Marriage and Its Aftermath

Diana and Charles were married in 1981, but their relationship quickly deteriorated. The couple separated in 1992 and divorced in 1996, a year after Diana publicly remarked that “there were three of us in this marriage.” The divorce paved the way for Charles’s eventual marriage to Camilla in 2005. Diana’s death in 1997, when she was 36, sent the world into mourning and cemented her status as a cultural icon.

Spencer’s book also touches on earlier moments in the couple’s relationship, such as Diana’s discovery of a bracelet Charles had bought for Camilla and the prince’s reportedly dismissive comments about her weight. These details paint a picture of a marriage fraught with tension and emotional distance.

Palace Response and Public Reaction

In response to the allegations, Buckingham Palace issued a statement saying it would not comment on books “as a matter of principle.” The palace added that grief can affect judgment and memory, implying that the king’s reactions might have been clouded by sorrow. The response was described by some observers as unprecedented and unusual, given the palace’s typical silence on personal matters.

Prince Charles, now King Charles III, has not issued a personal statement about the claims. However, he recently appeared in public for the first time since the allegations surfaced, addressing a conference of AI leaders in Edinburgh. The king’s presence at the event, coupled with the palace’s cautious response, suggests a deliberate effort to avoid further controversy.

Impact on the Royal Family

Spencer’s accusations come at a time of heightened scrutiny for the royal family. Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, has already exposed tensions between the prince and his father, particularly regarding the funeral arrangements. Harry’s recent return to the UK for public engagements, including the Invictus Spirit Awards, has brought renewed attention to the family’s internal dynamics.

The new allegations could deepen existing rifts, especially if they are perceived as evidence of a pattern of dismissiveness toward Diana’s legacy. The royal family’s handling of the situation will likely influence public perception and the monarchy’s relationship with the media.

What Happens Next?

It remains unclear whether the palace will take further action beyond its initial statement. The memoir’s release is expected to prompt additional media coverage and potential legal scrutiny. Meanwhile, the royal family will need to navigate the delicate balance between maintaining public decorum and addressing the personal grievances highlighted in Spencer’s book.

As the story unfolds, observers will watch for any changes in the king’s public engagements and for possible statements from other family members that might confirm or refute the claims. The broader implications for the monarchy’s image and its relationship with the public will depend on how the situation is managed in the coming weeks.

Why This Matters

The allegations shed new light on a pivotal moment in royal history, raising questions about how personal grief and public duty intersect. They also underscore the enduring impact of Diana’s legacy on the royal family’s internal dynamics and public image.

Key facts

Earl Spencer alleges Charles acted giddily elated after Diana’s death
Spencer claims the king dismissed Diana’s funeral wishes
Buckingham Palace’s response was cautious and non‑committal
The allegations add to tensions highlighted in Prince Harry’s memoir
King Charles’s recent public appearance may signal a desire to avoid further controversy

Why it matters

The story revisits a defining moment in royal history, offering fresh insight into the personal dynamics that shaped the monarchy’s public narrative and ongoing family tensions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the source of Earl Spencer’s claims?

The claims come from excerpts of his forthcoming memoir, <em>Swan Song: Diana, My Sister</em>, published in serial form in the Daily Mail and other outlets.