A dispute between King Charles and Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, has divided royal fans and media commentators, with supporters taking both sides.
The row began after Spencer claimed in his new book that Charles sounded “like a lottery winner” after Diana’s death in 1997.
In passages reported by the Daily Mail, Spencer described the then-Prince of Wales as “giddily elated”. He suggested Charles may have felt freer to marry again. These are Spencer’s claims about Charles’s reaction and motives.
Some royal commentators and members of the public have defended the King. Others have backed Spencer, who is Prince William and Prince Harry’s uncle.
Veteran broadcaster David Dimbleby also joined the discussion. Speaking to the BBC, he said he believed Diana’s popularity had caused resentment within the Palace and that those feelings remained.
He described Diana as someone who stood out from the rest of the Royal Family.
“She was fresh, new and exciting to the public and they really adored her,” he said.
Dimbleby argued that arguments over private conversations bring old tensions back into the spotlight. He noted that only the two people involved could know exactly what was said.
He also said the monarchy struggled to address bigger issues and warned against getting caught in a constant cycle of gossip.
Describing the Royal Family as “a bit of a soap opera”, Dimbleby said people were drawn to royal disputes because they recognised problems from their own families.
Although royals hold a special place in public life, he added, their disagreements remind people that they face family difficulties too.
