Charles and Diana (File photo: Reuters)
Earl Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother, has claimed in his new book that a few days after his sister’s death, the then-Prince Charles (now the UK’s King) told him in a phone call that people would forget Diana ‘very soon’.
In an interview with the BBC, Earl Spencer stood by his claim. He noted that he had spoken to Prince Charles on the phone only twice in his entire life. He had listened very carefully to what Charles was saying during that call, which took place just days after Diana’s death.
Earl Spencer stated that Charles had said exactly what he is now recounting.
When asked if there was any evidence to support this claim, Earl Spencer said that Charles’s words were so shocking that he immediately shared the matter with his family and friends.
Earl Spencer expressed frustration over the British royal household’s objection to his account. He said, “They’ve sort of muddied the waters, haven’t they? They’ve said people’s memories can differ.”
When asked whom the public should believe, Earl Spencer replied, “I am telling the truth.”
During the interview, Earl Spencer was asked about the media’s treatment of Harry and Meghan. He was asked whether, had Diana been alive, she would have seen parallels between her own life and the intense media scrutiny facing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Harry and Meghan).
In response, Earl Spencer said that anyone reading tabloid reports about Diana or Harry and Meghan would realize just how unpleasant such coverage can be. Earl Spencer said, “I think people should learn from what happened to Diana.”
He added that he was not there to speak on behalf of Harry and Meghan; however, he noted that if a person’s life is destroyed in such a manner day after day, it inflicts damage akin to cancer on their personal life.
Princess Diana and King Charles
Earl Spencer highlighted the impact media reports had on Diana, mentioning that he had seen “tears of despair” in his sister’s eyes. Diana was highly sensitive to criticism.
Diana died in a car accident in Paris, France, on August 31, 1997. There had been intense media interest surrounding her right up until her death.
