Earl Spencer faked forgetting Diana eulogy to outwit Palace 'spies' lurking in abbey shadows

From the Newshound archive · first published 29 September 2026.

Charles Spencer reveals he pretended to have left his eulogy at home during the funeral rehearsal after spotting figures he believed were Palace officials emerging from the shadows of Westminster Abbey to vet — or veto — what he planned to say. The earl made the disclosure in a CNN interview with Kaitlan Collins while promoting his new book 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister'. Spencer says he 'played the upper-class idiot' to ensure the famous address, which drew applause from mourners inside and crowds outside, went unchecked. The book has sold 102,668 copies in its opening week, making it the fastest-selling hardback non-fiction title in the UK this year.

Spencer also alleges in the book that King Charles told him 'Rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough' after objecting to Diana's sons walking behind her coffin.

Buckingham Palace has hit back, saying 'fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory'.

Nielsen confirmed 'Swan Song' is the bestselling non-fiction print book in the UK for 2026 so far, topping both Audible and Apple audio charts.