Prince Harry Steps Out as Diana’s Brother Drops Explosive Claim About King Charles’ ‘Giddily Elated’ Reaction After Her Death
Prince Harry recently stepped out solo in London for his first public appearance in Britain since returning to the U.K. He attended the first Invictus Spirit Gala Dinner and Awards at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. Meghan Markle wasn’t by his side, though. Harry showed up in a black tux with a white shirt and black bow tie.
He also had several military and royal medals pinned to his jacket, including his Afghanistan and Jubilee medals. Around his neck, he wore his Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order badge. It was given by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015 for his service to the monarch.
His appearance came just after Charles Spencer, Princess Diana’s younger brother, made claims about King Charles. He talked about them in his forthcoming memoir, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister. He said Charles sounded “giddily elated” when he called him after Diana died in Paris on August 31, 1997. He compared Charles’ voice to that of a “lottery winner.”
According to Sky News, Spencer then shared his own theory about Charles’ reaction. “Looking back now, I suspect the Prince’s first reaction must have been to think more of how this event might free him to marry the woman he loved, rather than appreciating the loss of one he did not,” he added.
Spencer also wrote, “It can be hard to feel too much sympathy for an ex-spouse, or those who care for them profoundly, after a bitter divorce.” Charles and Diana officially divorced in 1996 after separating in 1992. Diana later began dating Dodi Fayed in 1997.
The pair spent time together that summer and were in Paris on August 30. Just after midnight on August 31, their Mercedes crashed inside the Pont de l’Alma tunnel. Dodi died at the scene. Diana was taken to Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital but also later died from her injuries.
Spencer’s account has now put Charles’ reaction back in focus. He also claimed Charles made another comment after Diana’s death. According to him, Charles told him on a phone call that Diana would be “forgotten soon enough!”
Spencer said he responded, “‘I can’t believe you just said that,’ I said flatly, before hanging up.” The alleged remark came during discussions about Diana’s funeral. Spencer had concerns about Prince William and Harry walking behind their mother’s coffin. William was 15, while Harry was 12 at that time.
Diana’s funeral took place at Westminster Abbey on September 6, 1997. William and Harry ultimately walked behind their mother’s coffin. Charles and Spencer also joined the procession. Charles later married Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005.
After Spencer’s claim, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said, “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.”
Harry, meanwhile, reportedly knew about Spencer’s book before its release. Page Six reported that he discussed the memoir with Spencer during a July visit to Althorp, the Spencer family estate.
Sources also claimed the revelations wouldn’t shock the Duke. Harry hasn’t publicly responded to Spencer’s claims. Instead, he appeared in good spirits at the Invictus event.
The gala marked his first public appearance in Britain since he, Markle and their two children returned to the U.K. He also spoke about being back home. “It’s good to be back on British soil,” Harry said. Spencer’s memoir, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, is due to be published on September 22.
