Earl Spencer's book claims King Charles said 'we'll forget her soon enough' about Diana, sparks Palace rebuttal
Quick Look
- Earl Spencer's upcoming book alleges King Charles told him days after Diana's death in 1997: 'Rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough', prompting a Palace statement that grief can 'colour memory'.
- The book, serialized in UK papers, also claims Charles subjected Spencer to a 'stream of anger' over Diana's funeral plans.
- Other news includes the discovery of a body in the search for missing toddler Noah Woods in Suffolk, Kemi Badenoch warning of economic consequences from Labour policies, Andy Burnham defending government stance on inflation, the Putney Pusher suspect found dead nine years after the incident, US interest rates rising despite Trump's opposition, and UK prison service planning to double up inmates in single cells.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Earl Spencer is the brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, who died in a car crash in 1997. His upcoming book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, contains allegations about the royal family's conduct following her death, including claims about King Charles's remarks and funeral arrangements. The Palace has previously responded to similar claims from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with the phrase 'recollections may vary'.
Earl Spencer, the brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, has ignited a fresh row with the Palace following claims in his upcoming book, which feature heavily in today's papers. The book claims that King Charles told Spencer in the days after Diana's death in 1997: "Rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough", the Times reports. The paper headlines on a Buckingham Palace official statement that hit back at the book, saying grief can "colour memory".
The Daily Mail was the one that published the exclusive extract from Earl Spencer's upcoming book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, which it says "lifts the lid on an incendiary row with the now King over funeral arrangements". Spencer alleged the then-Prince of Wales subjected him to a "stream of anger" after he insisted Diana would not have wanted the young Princes William and Harry to walk in her funeral procession.
The Daily Telegraph also reports that Buckingham Palace has "hit back" at accusations made by Earl Spencer, which it describes as a "highly unusual move". In the official statement, the Palace said "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," the paper reports.
"Recollections may vary...again", the Sun headlines after the "war of words with Prince Diana's brother". The paper points to the Queen's famous "recollections may vary" statement over claims made by Prince Harry and Meghan in 2021, and how they are echoed in the Palace's latest statement.
Noah Woods, who disappeared on Tuesday, is pictured on the front page of the Independent after police confirm a body was found near where the toddler vanished.
"Heartbreak", the Daily Mirror reports. Three-year-old Noah went missing from a playground in Brantham, Suffolk, after becoming separated from a relative. Police said a child's body had been found in a nearby pond.
Meanwhile, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch warns Britain is "paying the price" for Labour's economic failures after inflation rose to 3.1% with warnings it could top 4% next year, the Daily Express reports.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the government "won't take risks with people's living standards" after the 3.1% inflation news, the i Paper reports. According to economists, capital gains tax may be one of the most likely tax rises in the upcoming Budget next month, the paper says.
Nine years after the "Putney Pusher" mystery began - when a jogger pushed a woman into the path of a bus during a run on Putney Bridge - the suspect of the incident has been found dead, the Metro reports. Nicholas Brandram was arrested in June this year on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm. Last week he was released under investigation.
The "face of Putney Pusher Suspect" is the Daily Star's lead image after the 44-year-old banker was found dead at his home. The paper reports that the man was a direct descendent of Queen Victoria.
US interest rates have been raised for the first time in more than three years, the Financial Times reports, despite US President Donald Trump's "calls for lowering borrowing costs".
And the Guardian says the prison service in the UK has drawn up plans to "double up" hundreds of prisoners in cells built for one person, according to leaked documents.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Buckingham Palace will issue further statements or take legal action regarding Earl Spencer's book claims
Likely · Within weeks
Public debate over the monarchy's role and accountability will intensify following the book's release
Likely · Within months
The UK Prison Service will face increased scrutiny and potential criticism over prison overcrowding conditions
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific evidence does Earl Spencer provide to support his claim about King Charles's statement?
- How will the Palace's latest statement affect public perception of the monarchy?
- What are the legal or procedural implications of the Putney Pusher suspect being found dead while under investigation?
- What specific prison overcrowding data prompted the UK Prison Service's plan to double up inmates?
