Harry and Meghan Face Criticism Over Silence on Earl Spencer’s Memoir

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing criticism over their silence following the publication of Earl Spencer’s new memoir, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, which contains controversial claims about King Charles.

A report cited by the Daily Express claims Queen Camilla has viewed the Sussexes’ silence as “absolute duplicitousness,” amid suggestions that Harry and Meghan have failed to publicly defend the King against the allegations.

The criticism comes as Harry and Meghan have recently returned to Britain, where they have been welcomed back by Charles and Camilla.

Controversial Claims About King Charles

One of the most disputed passages in Spencer’s memoir concerns an alleged conversation with then-Prince Charles shortly after Princess Diana’s death in 1997.

Spencer claims that Charles told him, “We’ll forget her soon enough” during a phone call following Diana’s death.

Buckingham Palace has strongly pushed back against the account, although it has not directly commented on the book as a matter of principle.

A Palace spokesperson said: “While we do not comment on books as a matter of principle, His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgement and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss.”

Spencer has stood by his recollection, saying he remembers the conversation clearly.

Harry’s Reported Reaction to the Memoir

The situation is particularly notable because Spencer has previously said that Harry was aware of the memoir and was comfortable with its contents.

In interviews promoting the book, Diana’s brother said he informed both Harry and Prince William about the memoir at exactly the same time. He also reassured them that their privacy had been respected.

Spencer said Harry’s main concern was whether there was anything embarrassing about him in the book. According to Spencer, he told his nephew there was not and explained that the brothers appear primarily as Diana’s sons rather than as subjects of personal revelations.

Harry and Meghan have not publicly commented on the controversy surrounding Spencer’s claims.

Spencer’s Relationship With Harry

The memoir controversy comes shortly after Spencer welcomed Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet to Althorp during their family visit to Britain in July.

Spencer has described himself as a supportive but non-intrusive uncle, saying Harry is an adult and that he is available if needed without interfering in his life.

He has also defended Harry’s decision to move his family back to Britain, pushing back against questions about the Sussexes’ return during a discussion with royal biographer Tina Brown on Sept. 29.

The latest criticism therefore places renewed attention on the Sussexes’ silence as debate continues over Spencer’s account of King Charles and his recollections of the aftermath of Diana’s death.