Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, claims that King Charles III insisted on walking directly behind Diana’s casket during her 1997 funeral, despite the couple having divorced the previous year.
Spencer made the claim in his forthcoming book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister. He wrote that the decision raised questions for him given Charles’ relationship with Diana and said the former Prince of Wales was “adamant” about taking part in the procession.
According to Spencer, Queen Elizabeth II’s deputy private secretary, Sir Robin Janvrin, told the funeral committee that Spencer should be persuaded to walk alongside Charles. He claimed the committee was concerned that Charles could face public abuse if he walked alone, and decided that Princes William and Harry should also join the procession.
Spencer said he initially opposed the idea of having William and Harry walk behind their mother’s casket. He later agreed after being told they wanted to participate on the condition that their grandfather, Prince Philip, also joined them. Ultimately, Spencer, Charles, Philip, William and Harry walked together from Kensington Palace to Westminster Abbey.
Buckingham Palace has disputed Spencer’s account. A spokesperson said grief can affect memory and judgment, particularly many years after a loss. The book, which contains Spencer’s account of his relationship with his sister and the royal family, is scheduled to be published September 22.
