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Queen Camilla Calls for Unity Amid Controversy Over Earl Spencer’s Memoir on Princess Diana
As the release of Earl Spencer’s memoir about his late sister, Princess Diana, stirs fresh controversy, Queen Camilla has made a heartfelt appeal for togetherness. The book, set to launch on Tuesday, contains explosive allegations about King Charles III’s conduct following Diana’s tragic death in 1997.
Speaking on September 19 at her book festival held at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, Camilla emphasized the importance of unity. Quoting a proverb she recently reflected upon, she said, “If you want to go fast, go alone.
If you want to go far, go together.” Her comments came in the wake of renewed media attention on claims made by Earl Spencer.
Excerpts published in the Daily Mail reveal Spencer’s accusations that King Charles reacted with hostility after Diana’s passing. He alleges that Charles became “ballistic” during a phone call when Spencer objected to Princes William and Harry walking behind the funeral procession. The memoir also claims that Charles ended the confrontation by saying, “We’ll forget her soon enough.”
Further, the book suggests that Charles was “giddily elated” upon learning of Diana’s fatal car accident in Paris. It also alleges that, just days before their 1981 wedding, Charles admitted to Diana that he was “not actually in love with her.”
In response, Buckingham Palace issued a rare statement addressing the allegations. While declining to comment on the memoir directly, the Palace acknowledged the complexities of grief, noting that “fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss.”
During her festival speech, Queen Camilla also reiterated her passion for literature and the importance of community. She spoke about founding the Queen’s Reading Room, which began as a small initiative and has grown into a global network of millions across more than 180 countries. The platform encourages book sharing, research, and donations to women’s refuges and homeless shelters.
“I created my Reading Room simply because, like all of us here, I love books and their life-enhancing power and I want to share that love with others,” Camilla said. She expressed deep gratitude to the many writers, actors, publishers, and readers who have supported the project.
Amid the unfolding dispute over Earl Spencer’s memoir, Queen Camilla’s call for unity serves as a reminder of the enduring power of connection and understanding.