Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer and brother of Princess Diana, will publish his memoir “Swan Song: Diana, My Sister” on September 22, 2026, marking the first time he has spoken openly and at length about his sister in book form. The Penguin Michael Joseph imprint will release the work in both the United Kingdom and United States.
Spencer said the book aims to set the record straight about Diana’s life and legacy. “The aim of this book is to tell the truth about Diana from her brother’s perspective, just as I attempted to do when speaking at her funeral,” he stated, referencing his famous eulogy delivered at Westminster Abbey in September 1997, days after her death on August 31.
The publisher described the memoir as containing “many revelations that will draw considerable attention” while serving as “a fitting tribute to the beloved woman who was Princess Diana.” Spencer explained that the 30th anniversary of Diana’s death approaching on the horizon prompted him to document his own thoughts and memories rather than continue reading what he views as inaccurate portrayals. “This has convinced me to write down my own thoughts and memories, once and for all, rather than having the discomfort of again reading the opinions of others, many of which are based on untruths that have become accepted over time,” he said.
The book recounts Diana’s life from her brother’s perspective and covers the week of her death. Spencer hopes the memoir will resonate with both those who remember Diana during her lifetime and younger readers who may not. “I would be delighted if those too young to remember her in her heyday feel, after reading this, that they ‘get’ who she really was: a one-off, dynamic character, full of love, charisma and self-doubt, who gave life a hell of a go, and left the world a far better place, despite exiting the stage while still so young.”
Spencer is an accomplished author and historian with a track record of successful publications. His previous memoir, “A Very Private School,” published in March 2024, became an international bestseller and was named to multiple year-end best-books lists, including NPR’s Books We Love 2024 and People’s Best Celebrity Memoirs 2024. That work detailed his childhood trauma at an elite British boarding school and demonstrated his ability to engage readers with personal, candid narratives.
Spencer has authored seven non-fiction books over his career, including several Sunday Times bestsellers focused on English history and the aristocracy. His publications include “Althorp: The Story of an English House” (1998), “The Spencer Family” (1999), and “Blenheim: Battle for Europe” (2004). This new memoir represents a shift toward more personal, family-centered storytelling rather than historical analysis, continuing a pattern evident in “A Very Private School.”
The timing of the book’s release comes as the royal family and the broader public continue to mark significant anniversaries related to Diana’s life and legacy. Diana’s death in a car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997, shocked the world and cemented her status as the “People’s Princess.” Spencer’s willingness to share his perspective in extended form after nearly three decades offers a rare insider account from someone who knew Diana intimately throughout her life, from childhood through her years as Princess of Wales.
Sources
- The Guardian — Charles Spencer’s statement and publisher description of the memoir
- Penguin Random House — Official announcement of publication date and publisher details
- USA Today — Book release details and content overview
- Euronews — Spencer’s quotes about “many revelations” and his intentions for the book
- NPR — Information on “A Very Private School” as an international bestseller and award recognition
- Goodreads — Publication date and reception of “A Very Private School”
