Charles Spencer Says He Told Prince William and Prince Harry About Princess Diana Memoir at ‘Exactly the Same Time’

Speaking from the Spencer family’s historic ancestral estate at Althorp, the 9th Earl Spencer has broken his silence on how his nephews reacted to his most personal project to date. In an exclusive sit-down with PEOPLE, Charles Spencer says he told Prince William and Prince Harry about his Princess Diana memoir at ‘exactly the same time,’ ensuring that neither royal brother was left out of the loop before the world learned of the project.

The forthcoming memoir, titled Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, marks an emotional tribute to the late Princess of Wales from the perspective of the brother who stood resolutely by her side.

Keeping the Project Secret Until the Decisive Moment

For months, the manuscript remained strictly confidential. Spencer revealed that beyond publishing insiders and his wife, Professor Cat Spencer, virtually no one was aware that he was putting pen to paper about Diana's life.

When the time finally came to inform his family, Spencer decided to deliver the news simultaneously to his older sisters, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, alongside Diana's two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.

He deliberately avoided staggering the notifications, sharing the announcement with all four relatives simultaneously so everyone received the update transparently and at the same moment.

Prince Harry's Reaction and Reassurance on Privacy

Addressing how the news was received, Spencer noted that Prince Harry was supportive of the endeavor. According to the Earl, Harry's primary curiosity centered on whether anything awkward or compromising regarding his own past would feature in the text.

Spencer was quick to put those worries to rest. He emphasized that:

• Childhood Perspective Only: Both William and Harry appear in the narrative strictly as two young boys who were raised by a devoted and extraordinary mother.

• No Breach of Privacy: The book does not expose their private lives, adult controversies, or personal dilemmas.

• A Brother's Lens: The focus remains anchored on the childhood, private persona, and inner world of Diana herself, rather than contemporary royal disputes.

Strategic Overview: The Spencer Family Announcement

Key Figure	Nature of Notification	Noted Reaction / Context
Prince William	Informed at the exact same moment	Addressed simultaneously with his brother and aunts.
Prince Harry	Informed at the exact same moment	Reassured about personal privacy; supportive of the project.
Lady Sarah & Lady Jane	Notified alongside the Princes	Surprised by the initiative, having had no advance warning.
Cat Spencer	In the loop throughout writing	Sole family member who knew the work was underway early on.

Navigating Palace Sensitivities and King Charles

The release of the book has inevitably sparked conversations across the royal sphere. With recollections touching upon pivotal moments—such as the solemn funeral procession where young William and Harry walked behind their mother's casket—palace aides have monitored public interest closely.

Spencer stressed that he intentionally exercised restraint when writing about King Charles III. While acknowledging that he possessed material that could have formed a far more sensationalist account, he chose not to take that route. The core purpose of the memoir, he maintained, is honoring Diana's legacy and capturing her authentic spirit rather than settling old scores.

By communicating with Prince William and Prince Harry at the exact same time, Earl Spencer sought to maintain family balance and transparency as the world prepares to revisit Diana's enduring memory.