Charles Spencer's New Book Digested by John Crace
A satirical summary of Charles Spencer's memoir about his sister, Princess Diana, focusing on his self-described role and the lead-up to his famous funeral
Charles Spencer's new memoir about his sister, Princess Diana, has been digested by John Crace of The Guardian. The book, timed for the 30th anniversary of her death, presents Spencer's view as the only person who truly knew her.
Crace's summary portrays the Earl's narrative as self-aggrandizing. Spencer positions himself as the guardian of Diana's true legacy, contrasting his account with public portrayals of her unhappy childhood. He claims they were secure recipients of parental love, even during their parents' separation and their time at boarding school.
The News of Diana's Death
Spencer recounts being in Cape Town when he learned of Diana's fatal car crash. He describes initial, hopeful reports of her being only slightly injured. He recalls his anger at media commentators who he felt implied she deserved her fate for betraying the royal family. The cold finality of her death struck him on the flight back to London, where he resolved to deliver her eulogy himself.
Clashes and Arrangements
The digested account describes Spencer's version of tense negotiations with the royal household over funeral arrangements. He claims a figure named Colonel Ross insisted William and Harry walk behind the coffin to act as a 'human shield' for Prince Charles. Spencer says he firmly refused. He also recounts a disturbing conversation where Prince Charles allegedly said, 'You're so lucky your dad has died. I wish my mum would.'
Spencer revisits Diana's engagement, portraying Prince Charles as a reluctant fiancé who adored Camilla and criticized Diana's appearance. He writes that his father pressured Diana to go through with the marriage out of family duty, setting in motion the 'inevitable train of events' leading to her death.
The People's Earl
The climax of the book, as presented by Crace, is Spencer's reflection on his eulogy. He expresses incredulity that no one has asked how he felt delivering it. He claims only Tony Blair acknowledged his effort, dubbing him 'the People's Earl.' Spencer describes the perfect moment in the chapel when he read the eulogy to Diana's coffin, and the sun shone through the stained glass.
He remembers the funeral service, thinking Elton John was an 'idiot' warm-up act. Spencer concludes that the day was for him as much as for Diana, though he insists he did it for William and Harry. The Guardian's digested read ends with Spencer contemplating his future, likely involving 'more divorces,' but secure in having done right by his sister with his eulogy.
