Royal engagements resume after Diana brother’s memoir claims
Following the publication of a memoir by Diana’s brother, the Prince of Wales is set to carry out public engagements while Buckingham Palace issues a formal rebuttal. The memoir alleges that Charles told Earl Spencer that they would soon forget Diana, a claim the palace denies. The royal family wil…
By Felo News Desk · Published
After a new memoir by Diana, Princess of Wales’s brother was released, the British royal family is set to resume public duties this Thursday. The book, titled Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, contains allegations that Prince Charles, then Prince of Wales, told Earl Spencer that the nation would soon forget his late sister. Buckingham Palace has issued a formal response, rejecting the claim and emphasizing the enduring pain of grief.
Palace’s formal rebuttal to the memoir
In a statement, the palace said it would not comment on books “as a matter of principle.” It added that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud judgment and colour memory, even many years after a loss. The spokesperson noted that the alleged remark by Charles would be “inconsistent with the public image of the royal family” and that the palace is mindful of the emotional impact of such claims.
Royal engagements on Thursday
Despite the controversy, senior royals will attend a series of official events. Prince Charles is scheduled to speak at a summit in Dumfries House, Scotland, where he will address leaders from AI firms such as Nvidia, Anthropic and OpenAI. He is expected to emphasize that artificial intelligence should serve humanity, community and the natural world.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, who also hold the titles of Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, will make their first official visit to the Isle of Bute. The itinerary includes a stop in the town of Rothesay, following their visits to the Isles of Mull and Iona last year. Their presence is intended to strengthen ties between the UK and the Scottish island communities.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, is expected to make his first public appearance in the UK since returning from the United States. Harry and his wife Meghan, who arrived back in England last month, have recently relocated their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to a new school after discussions with their security team.
Other engagements include the Duchess of Edinburgh’s trip to Zambia, aimed at celebrating the relationship between Zambia and the UK, and the Princess Royal’s attendance at the opening of a new History Centre at the German Military Cemetery in Staffordshire.
Details of the memoir’s allegations
In the memoir, Earl Spencer recounts a conversation with Prince Charles during the planning of Diana’s funeral. He claims that Charles expressed anger when Spencer suggested that Princes William and Harry, then 15 and 12, should not walk in the procession. According to Spencer, Charles responded by recalling his own participation in the funeral of his great‑uncle, Lord Mountbatten, 18 years earlier.
The book also alleges that Charles later told Spencer, “Rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough,” a statement that the palace has strongly denied. The memoir’s excerpts were serialized in the Daily Mail, sparking immediate media attention and prompting the palace’s response.
What’s next for the royal family?
As the royal family continues with their scheduled engagements, the focus remains on maintaining public duties while addressing the controversy. The palace has not announced any further statements beyond the initial rebuttal. The upcoming events will likely shift attention back to the royals’ public roles, including their involvement in technology discussions and community outreach.
Observers note that the timing of the memoir’s release—just days before the scheduled engagements—adds a layer of complexity to the family’s public image. Whether the allegations will have a lasting impact on the royals’ public perception remains to be seen, but the immediate priority appears to be a swift return to routine engagements.
In summary, the royal family is moving forward with a series of public appearances while responding to new claims about Prince Charles’s remarks. The events this Thursday will showcase the family’s continued commitment to public service, even as they navigate the sensitivities surrounding Diana’s legacy.
Key facts
- Palace issued formal rebuttal to memoir claims
- Prince Charles to speak on AI at Dumfries House
- Prince and Princess of Wales visit Isle of Bute
- Duke of Sussex to make first UK appearance since US
- Duchess of Edinburgh to visit Zambia
- Princess Royal opening history centre in Staffordshire
Why it matters
The memoir’s allegations touch on the legacy of Diana, Princess of Wales, and the public’s perception of the royal family’s handling of grief. The family’s response and continued engagements highlight how the monarchy manages controversy while maintaining its ceremonial duties.
Frequently asked questions
What did the memoir say about Prince Charles’s remarks?
The memoir alleges that Prince Charles told Earl Spencer that the nation would soon forget Diana, a claim the palace has denied.
When are the royal engagements scheduled?
The engagements are set for Thursday, with events in Scotland, the Isle of Bute, and other locations.
How is the palace responding to the allegations?
The palace issued a statement rejecting the claims and emphasizing the lasting pain of grief.
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Royals set to carry out engagements after book claims”
