King Charles was ‘giddily elated’ after Diana’s death, her brother says

Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, claims in his forthcoming book that King Charles sounded "giddily elated" and "like a lottery winner" immediately after Diana's death in 1997. Spencer suggests this reaction may have been due to the belief that it freed him to remarry. The article also reveals passages from Spencer's book stating Diana had contemplated suicide at Beachy Head, but her love for her sons prevented her from acting further. Diana died at age 36 in a car crash in Paris while being pursued by paparazzi. King Charles's spokesperson previously responded to criticism by stating that grief can affect reason, judgment, and memory.

In extracts from his upcoming memoir, "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister," Earl Spencer claims King Charles sounded "giddily elated" in a phone call following Diana's death. Spencer also suggests Buckingham Palace desired William, Harry, and himself to walk behind Diana's coffin, fearing public backlash against Charles if he walked alone. The memoir alleges Charles believed some at the Palace were "relieved" by Diana's death and that Charles had told Diana he was not in love with her before their wedding. Buckingham Palace responded by stating that grief can "cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory." The book also touches on Diana's confidences about her marriage and her struggles with mental health.

King Charles has responded to criticism from his late first wife Princess Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, in a rare public statement. Via a spokesman, the King stated that grief can affect reason, judgment, and memory. These comments address assertions made in Spencer's upcoming book, which details the King's alleged conduct following Diana's death in 1997. According to a report, Spencer claims the then-Prince Charles told him, "rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough." The book's revelations pertain to the period after Diana's fatal car crash in Paris.