Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Britain’s Royals Face Diana Family Book Crisis Again
Charles Spencer wrote a book about his sister, Princess Diana.
The book includes criticism of the royal family and King Charles.
Buckingham Palace responded by questioning whether Spencer’s grief affected his memory and judgment.
Some commentators thought this response sounded cold.
Others said the controversy would eventually pass.
The British monarchy has faced many difficult moments before and survived them.
The family is also dealing with continuing attention around Prince Harry and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Critics worry that these stories distract people from the work of working royals such as Prince William and Kate.
Charles Spencer’s book about his sister Diana has revived criticism of the royal family.
Buckingham Palace said Spencer’s grief could affect his reason, judgment and memory.
Commentators differed over whether the palace response was appropriately firm or too cold.
Royal experts said the monarchy has survived previous crises, including Diana’s death and Harry’s memoir.
The latest controversy has overshadowed public attention for William and Kate’s work in Scotland.
- Who
- The British royal family, Charles Spencer, and commentators including Robert Hardman and Afua Hagan.
- What
- A book about Princess Diana has reopened criticism of the monarchy and King Charles.
- When
- The controversy was reported on September 22, following the book’s serialization in the Daily Mail.
- Where
- London and Britain, with international attention on the monarchy.
- Why
- The book revisits Diana’s criticisms of the institution and her former husband, while the royal family is already facing controversies involving Prince Harry and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Monarchy Will Recover
Response Risks Further Damage
Impact of the book
Monarchy Will Recover
Royal author Robert Hardman said earlier controversies, including Harry’s memoir, did not significantly change opinion polls and predicted this crisis would also pass.
Response Risks Further Damage
Afua Hagan said the controversy adds to continuing negative publicity and can overshadow the work of working royals.
Buckingham Palace’s response
Monarchy Will Recover
The palace’s direct statement was presented as an effort to address the book’s claims rather than remain silent.
Response Risks Further Damage
Hagan described the statement as cold and aloof, recalling criticism of the royal family after Diana’s death.
The monarchy’s future
Monarchy Will Recover
Supporters point to the institution’s survival through repeated crises and argue that the latest dispute will not cause lasting damage.
Response Risks Further Damage
Charles Spencer criticized the monarchy’s archaic and servile presentation and called for a more modern monarchy.
- Book
- “Swan Song: Diana, My Sister” by Charles Spencer
- Subject
- Princess Diana’s life, criticisms of the monarchy, and relationship with Charles
- Palace response
- Buckingham Palace said Spencer’s grief could affect his reason, judgment and memory
- Historical context
- The monarchy has previously faced crises involving Diana’s death, Edward VIII’s abdication, Harry’s memoir and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
- Communications policy
- The royal family moved to professionalize communications after the backlash following Diana’s death
- Current concern
- Negative publicity is overshadowing the public work of working royals
- Public funding
- The article says the monarchy receives millions of taxpayer dollars every year