Charles Spencer has announced he will publish a memoir about his late sister Princess Diana, promising to present an intimate portrait of her life.
The book, titled Swan Song in English and Diana, ma sœur in French, is scheduled for release on September 22. It will be published by Penguin Books in the United Kingdom and Flammarion in France.
French publisher Flammarion stated that the work marks the first time Spencer has retraced in detail the story of his life alongside Diana, as well as the tragic week that followed her death. English publisher Penguin Books described the volume as the most intimate, tender and sincere portrait ever produced of his sister.
Charles Spencer, 62, is the 9th Earl Spencer and the younger brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, who died at age 36 following a car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997. A former journalist who previously sat in the House of Lords, Spencer delivered the eulogy at Diana's funeral service at Westminster Abbey in London.
Memoir details and objectives
In a statement released by the publishing house, Spencer explained that his primary objective in writing the book was to tell the truth about Diana from his perspective as her brother. He said he wanted to speak on her behalf and to do so in a positive manner.
The English edition carries a subtitle description of Diana as beautiful, loved and hunted. Spencer said he hopes the book will interest everyone who still cherishes the memory of Diana as they knew her while she was alive.
He added that he would be delighted if readers too young to remember her in her prime could gain an understanding of who she really was. He described his sister as an exceptional, dynamic person, full of love and charisma, who suffered from a severe lack of confidence yet took life by the horns and left behind a better world despite her early death.
Royal memoirs and upcoming projects
The announcement follows the publication of Prince Harry's autobiographical memoir Spare, published by Fayard under the French title Le Suppléant, which generated widespread headlines with its personal revelations. Commentators expect Spencer's account to generate significant attention across the United Kingdom and internationally.
Prince Harry is Princess Diana's younger son, making Spencer his uncle. Memoirs written by members of the British royal family routinely attract worldwide public interest and high volume sales across international markets.
Public interest in Princess Diana will extend beyond the autumn book release, with a television documentary planned for 2027 that also aims to shed light on lesser known aspects surrounding the late princess.
