Royal author Ingrid Seward believes King Charles felt strongly enough about Charles Spencer’s claims to issue a rare public response.
Spencer’s memoir, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, has drawn attention for its account of Diana’s death and claims about her former husband.
In the book, Spencer alleged that Charles sounded “giddily elated” after learning of Diana’s death. He also described a comment he claimed Charles made before her funeral.
A spokesperson for the King responded with a statement suggesting that grief over losing a sibling can affect a person’s judgment and memory, even many years later.
“While we do not comment on books as a matter of principle, His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss,” the statement said.
Speaking to Hello! magazine, Seward described the response as highly unusual.
“I think that Charles felt very strongly about this, because I’ve never heard a statement like this before,” she said.
Seward believes Charles would have considered whether responding could cause more pain. In her view, his decision to speak out showed how strongly he felt about the allegations. She also suggested the statement was released quickly.
Swan Song: Diana, My Sister is scheduled for publication on September 22.
