Earl Spencer Claims Charles Elated After Diana's Death

Charles, now King, sounded "giddily elated – like a lottery winner" in a phone call to Earl Spencer immediately after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, according to published extracts from Spencer's upcoming memoir. The claims suggest a deeply personal and unexpected reaction from the then-Prince Charles in the immediate aftermath of the tragic event. Earl Spencer's memoir also details his perspective on the funeral arrangements, specifically the procession behind Diana's coffin. He states that Buckingham Palace officials desired for Prince William, Prince Harry, and himself to participate in this procession. Spencer believes this was due to the then-Prince Charles's "adamant" insistence on walking in the procession himself. Palace officials, according to Spencer, were concerned that if Charles walked alone, "members of the public might shout abuse at him." This concern, Spencer implies, led to the request for other prominent male figures to accompany him, thereby shielding him from potential public disapproval. The extracts suggest a complex and potentially strained dynamic within the Royal Family and its staff during a period of national mourning. Earl Spencer's memoir, as indicated by these published portions, aims to offer a personal account of these significant historical moments and the emotions surrounding them. The publication of these claims is expected to generate considerable public and media interest, given the enduring fascination with Princess Diana and the Royal Family. The memoir's revelations provide a new layer of interpretation to the events of August 1997 and the subsequent period, focusing on the alleged emotional state of Charles and the strategic considerations of palace officials. The narrative presented by Earl Spencer offers a stark contrast to the public perception of grief and solemnity that characterized the period following Diana's death, highlighting what he portrays as a surprising and perhaps unsettling emotional response from the future King. The specific phrasing "giddily elated" is a direct quote attributed to Charles by Spencer, underscoring the extraordinary nature of the alleged sentiment. The comparison to a "lottery winner" further emphasizes the intensity and unexpectedness of this reported elation. These assertions, coming from Diana's brother, carry significant weight and are likely to be scrutinized intensely by historians, royal commentators, and the public alike. The memoir's content, as previewed, promises to delve into personal recollections and interpretations of key events, offering a potentially controversial perspective on the Royal Family's internal dynamics during a pivotal moment in modern British history. The decision to publish these sensitive recollections, particularly concerning the immediate aftermath of Diana's death, indicates a deliberate effort by Earl Spencer to share his distinct viewpoint on these deeply impactful events.