New Memoir Revives Royal Scrutiny
Earl Spencer’s Memoir Renews Scrutiny Over Royal Family Actions Surrounding Princess Diana's Death
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Spencer’s account says Diana remained conscious enough to communicate with emergency responders after the Paris crash, but died at 4:53 a.m. local time from severe internal injuries; her partner Dodi Fayed and the driver also died, while bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones survived.
2
After Diana’s death, Queen Elizabeth II reportedly made caring for Prince William and Prince Harry a priority while they were staying at Balmoral. In a televised address, she described Diana as “an exceptional and gifted human being” and spoke of the family’s shock, disbelief, anger and concern for those left behind.
3
Dai Davies questioned the memoir’s reliability after noting that it apparently misidentified Piers Morgan’s role at the Daily Mirror at the time, saying the error raised questions about other allegations in the book.
4
Camilla’s reported appeal for “togetherness” came during her literary festival at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, where she was said to be trying to lower tensions rather than intensify the dispute over Diana and the royal family.
5
The resurfaced accession-ceremony footage shows Charles signaling for an aide to remove the pen tray and inkwell while he signed documents just days after Queen Elizabeth II’s death. Commentators differed over whether his expression reflected genuine anger or an attempt at humor, with some noting the emotional strain of the moment.
Earl Charles Spencer's new memoir has reignited debate over the royal family's handling of Princess Diana's death and life. Spencer claims Queen Elizabeth II's first response to news of Diana's 1997 Paris car crash was dismissive, asking
Spencer's account contradicts the palace narrative. He says Diana was conscious after the crash and died at 4:53 a.m. from severe internal injuries WA Today. But former royal protection chief Dai Davies questioned the memoir's accuracy, noting factual errors about media figures at the time The Age. Buckingham Palace suggested grief clouds memory and judgment The Age.
Spencer Claims Queen's Cold Initial Reaction
In his memoir 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister,' Spencer recounts that Queen Elizabeth II asked 'What is she up to now?' when first told Diana had been in a traffic accident WA Today. The remark came before the family realized the crash would be fatal. Spencer also claims the queen wanted Diana buried at Frogmore, but her family chose Althorp instead Brisbane Times.
After Diana's death became clear, the queen's behavior reportedly shifted. She prioritized caring for young Princes William and Harry during their stay at Balmoral. In a televised address, Elizabeth called Diana 'an exceptional and gifted human being' and expressed the family's shock and disbelief WA Today.
Dai Davies Disputes Spencer's Account of Events
Dai Davies, who led the royal protection team, challenged Spencer's reliability as a narrator The Age. Davies said the atmosphere at Balmoral was solemn and King Charles appeared genuinely grief-stricken after learning of Diana's death. He pointed to errors in the memoir as evidence that other claims warrant skepticism The Age.
Davies specifically noted that Spencer apparently misidentified Piers Morgan's role at the Daily Mirror during that era The Age. Such factual mistakes, Davies argued, raise questions about the accuracy of more serious allegations in the book. Buckingham Palace weighed in, cautioning that grief can impair memory and judgment The Age.
Camilla Seeks to Ease Tensions Over Diana Legacy
Queen Camilla has reportedly appealed for 'togetherness' as the memoir reignites old wounds between King Charles, Earl Spencer, and Diana's sons WA Today. Camilla made her plea during a literary festival at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, reportedly trying to lower tensions rather than escalate the dispute WA Today.
Her intervention signals concern within the palace about lingering divisions. The royal family has long sought to move past Diana's death and its aftermath. But Spencer's public accusations of 'gaslighting' by the palace keep the wounds fresh The Age.
Resurfaced Footage of King Charles Stokes New Speculation
Footage from King Charles's 2022 accession ceremony has resurfaced, showing him apparently frustrated by a pen during the document-signing The Mirror. He signals an aide to remove the pen tray and inkwell while his expression appears strained. The clip has sparked renewed debate over his emotional state during that pivotal moment The Mirror.
Commentators disagree on the meaning of Charles's reaction The Mirror. Some see genuine annoyance; others suggest he was attempting humor amid the emotional weight of his mother's recent death. The ambiguity mirrors the broader dispute: both sides interpret the same events through conflicting lenses The Mirror.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
21
Articles
24
Reach
45
Topics
A
AnonymousAuthor
