Swan Song by Charles Spencer is a furious exercise in score-settling that offers a fascinating, if flawed, portrait of his sister, Diana, Princess of Wales. In this memoir, Spencer recounts his relationship with Diana and the world that created her, but the book often reveals more about Charles Spencer himself than about the late princess.
A Memoir of Grievance and Grandeur
Charles Spencer's Swan Song is a 400-page memoir that mixes touching passages about his sister with wild indiscretion and chest-thumping. The book has generated headlines, particularly after serialisation in the Daily Mail, which Spencer sold the rights to. In one line, Spencer describes tabloid journalists as "those who inhabit the murky swamps of malevolence, and who need to suck their victims dry of their souls." Yet the same newspaper published his serialisation, leading many to question his consistency.
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The most explosive claim is that shortly after Diana's death, King Charles (then Prince of Wales) insulted her in a phone call to Spencer: "'Rest assured,' he hissed, 'we'll forget her soon enough.'" Spencer's use of "hissed" is a red flag for some readers, an embellishment that makes the king appear worse. Whether you believe the quote will likely dictate how you receive the book.
Key Takeaways from Swan Song
- Score-settling dominates: Spencer uses the memoir to settle old scores with journalists, royals, and even family members.
- Diana remains elusive: Despite the title, the book reveals more about Charles Spencer's grievances than about Diana's inner life.
- Emotional highlights: There are genuinely touching passages about Diana that remind readers of the bond they shared.
- Questionable credibility: Embellishments like "hissed" undermine the book's reliability as a historical account.
Charles Spencer vs. Other Royal Memoirs
How does Swan Song compare to other royal memoirs? The table below highlights key differences in tone, focus, and reception.
| Memoir | Author | Focus | Tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swan Song | Charles Spencer | Diana and Spencer's grievances | Furious, score-settling |
| Spare | Prince Harry | Harry's life and family rift | Revelatory, introspective |
| Diana: Her True Story | Andrew Morton | Diana's life | Sympathetic, investigative |
The World That Created Diana
Spencer provides a head-spinning account of the aristocratic world that shaped Diana. He describes the cold, emotionally repressed environment of their childhood, the pressures of nobility, and the ways in which Diana was ill-prepared for royal life. These sections are among the most compelling, offering genuine insight into Diana's formative years.
However, Spencer's constant self-portrayal as the injured party wears thin. After 400 pages, the reader is left with a sour taste, wondering how much of the book is truth and how much is embellishment for dramatic effect.
FAQ
What is Swan Song by Charles Spencer about?
Swan Song is a memoir by Charles Spencer, the brother of Princess Diana, focusing on his relationship with her and the aristocratic world that shaped them both. It includes explosive claims about the royal family and settles scores with various figures.
Is Swan Song a reliable account of Diana's life?
Many reviewers question the reliability of Swan Song due to Spencer's use of embellishments and his obvious grievances. While it contains touching passages, it is more a reflection of Spencer's feelings than an objective biography.
What did King Charles allegedly say about Diana?
According to Spencer, King Charles said in a phone call after Diana's death, "Rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough." The claim has been disputed and Spencer's use of "hissed" has raised eyebrows.
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