There is deep unhappiness and frustration in Buckingham Palace at what Earl Spencer has put into the public domain. Their strongly worded statement tells you everything you need to know about how upset they are. “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,” it said.
Bear in mind that the two Charleses have had a difficult relationship for decades. Even before either of them was born, the Spencers and the Windsors, two aristocratic families, had years of splits and spats. In the past 48 hours, allies on either side have lined up to back the two different accounts, with acolytes of the King suggesting he would never have said such things. Others emerged to back Spencer.
There is no way of being completely sure what exactly happened. There hasn’t been an explicit denial, but the Palace has objected in very strong terms to how Earl Spencer has presented the past. But speaking to Diana’s brother for about half an hour, I felt he seemed entirely sure in his own mind. His book is carefully constructed to give his account, as well as pay tribute to his sister’s life as the 30th anniversary of her death approaches.
