Princess Diana book not about ‘settling scores’: Charles Spencer
Summary
Charles Spencer, Diana’s brother, discusses his new memoir *Swan Song*, revealing her hidden struggles with self-doubt and the relentless, abusive nature of tabloid media. He recounts the traumatic phone call with Prince Charles, who allegedly told him, “We’ll forget her soon enough,” and details his decision to withhold his eulogy from palace vetting. Spencer also reflects on the monarchy’s enduring power, the current estrangement between William and Harry, and his belief that the press’s harassment directly contributed to Diana’s death.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Citizens Bank
Introduction: Charles Spencer and his new book
Diana's humor, courage, and public perception
Diana's struggles with academia and self-esteem
Diana's vulnerability and common decency
Diana's activism with AIDS and landmine victims
Growing up as the brother of a global icon
The relentless pursuit by paparazzi
Did the press kill Diana? The Paris tunnel tragedy
Diana's relationship with the media and phone hacking
Sponsors: Citizens Bank and See You in Court
The phone calls from Prince Charles after Diana's death
The funeral dispute and 'we'll forget her soon enough'
Defending Diana's legacy and countering Palace narratives
The eulogy rehearsal and delivery at the funeral
The walk to the funeral and the presence of tabloid editors
Palace retaliation and the power of the monarchy
Media treatment of Harry and Meghan
The promise to William and Harry and family estrangement
Why now? The 30th anniversary and Palace response
The future of the monarchy and closing remarks
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