Earl Spencer has doubled down on his explosive claim that King Charles said of Princess Diana, "rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough" just days after her death, insisting he is telling the truth. The allegation, detailed in his memoir Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, has reignited a bitter feud with Buckingham Palace.
The Alleged Call and Palace Response
In the days following Diana's tragic death in 1997, Earl Spencer claims he received a call from then-Prince Charles. According to Spencer, Charles said, "rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough." The claim, serialised in the Daily Mail, prompted an extraordinary statement from Buckingham Palace suggesting Spencer had misremembered, saying "the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory in ways others do not recognise."
Spencer Stands Firm
In an interview with BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Spencer refused to back down. "I can tell you here and now, those are exactly the words he said," he stated. Responding to the palace's statement, he questioned, "Well, is he furious? Is he furious, or is he embarrassed?" He dismissed the suggestion his memory was clouded, saying, "They've sort of smudged that one, haven't they? They've said that recollections may vary."
Spencer revealed the call was one of only two he had with Charles in his lifetime and that he told friends and family at the time "because it was so monstrous."
Key Takeaways
- Earl Spencer alleges King Charles said "we'll forget her soon enough" after Diana's death.
- Buckingham Palace issued a rare statement implying Spencer's memory may be clouded by grief.
- Spencer insists his recollection is accurate and stands by his account.
- The feud has resurfaced with the release of Spencer's memoir, Swan Song.
Comparison of Accounts
| Source | Claim | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Earl Spencer | Charles said "we'll forget her soon enough" | Stands by claim, says it was "monstrous" |
| Buckingham Palace | No comment on specifics | Statement suggests grief can cloud memory |
| Royal Experts | Divided on credibility | Some support Spencer, others question timing |
Background of the Feud
The relationship between Earl Spencer and the royal family has been strained since Diana's death. Spencer's eulogy at her funeral criticised the monarchy's treatment of his sister. This latest revelation adds fuel to a long-simmering tension.

FAQ
What exactly did King Charles allegedly say?
According to Earl Spencer, King Charles said, "rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough" during a phone call days after Princess Diana's death.
How has Buckingham Palace responded?
The palace issued a statement suggesting that grief can cloud memory, implying Spencer may have misremembered the conversation.
Why is this revelation significant now?
It comes from Spencer's new memoir, Swan Song, and reignites a long-standing feud between Diana's brother and the royal family, raising questions about the monarchy's treatment of Diana.
The ongoing dispute highlights the deep divisions that persist more than two decades after Diana's death. As Spencer's memoir continues to make headlines, the royal family faces renewed scrutiny over its past actions.