Charles Spencer Reveals Original Eulogy Plans for Princess Diana Differed Dramatically
Charles Spencer has revealed fresh insights into the composition of the eulogy he delivered for his sister, Princess Diana, during her funeral service.
During a conversation with Gyles Brandreth on the “Rosebud” podcast, broadcast on Friday, October 24, the 9th Earl Spencer, aged 61, disclosed that his initial intentions for Diana's memorial address in September 1997 diverged significantly from the speech he ultimately delivered.
He recounted being “utterly distraught” during his flight from Cape Town, South Africa, back to the U.K., a journey during which he began contemplating who might deliver his sister's eulogy.
“I had a substantial address book, and my thought was, ‘I need to locate someone to give her address.’ But I reached the letter ‘Z’ without identifying a suitable person,” Spencer remembered, describing it as a “deeply moving experience.”
“Upon disembarking at Heathrow [Airport], I phoned my mother and expressed, ‘I cannot conceive who will deliver the eulogy. And I have a terrible premonition it must be me,’” he recounted. “To which she responded, ‘Indeed, it will be you. Your sisters and I have made that decision.’”
It has been noted that Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, visits her grave nearly every day.
Spencer revealed that his initial intention was to compose a “quite conventional tribute” detailing their early lives and similar aspects, but he then concluded, “This is absurd; it doesn’t reflect her true essence.”
He explained that he promptly “understood” that the occasion demanded him to not merely discuss the departed Princess of Wales, but rather to “articulate on her behalf.”
“And I was aware that I had been designated at that juncture — though it lacked legal authority — as the guardian of her sons,” Spencer further stated concerning his nephews, Prince William and Prince Harry, who were 15 and 12 years old respectively when their mother passed away at 36 following a vehicular accident in Paris in August 1997.
“Naturally, with their other parent still living, that designation held no legal consequence, but it carried personal significance for me. A sense of obligation, I believe,” Spencer remarked, acknowledging that the now King Charles III would naturally assume responsibility for his children. “Following that, I drafted [the eulogy] within ninety minutes, and yes, that was the entire process, truly.”
He confessed to omitting a direct reference to Rupert Murdoch, considering it “somewhat superfluous,” yet retained all other elements he intended to include in his poignant address.
The eulogy stands as “one of the most memorable instances in contemporary British history,” as per “Rosebud,” and highlighted her altruism, resilience, grace, and devotion to her family. It additionally addressed Diana’s adverse experiences with the British press.
“She would wish for us today to commit to safeguarding her cherished sons, William and Harry, from a comparable destiny, and I make this promise now, Diana, in your stead. We shall not permit them to endure the torment that frequently led you to profound sorrow,” Spencer declared then.
“Furthermore,” he proceeded, “representing your mother and sisters, I vow that we, your biological relatives, will exert every effort to uphold the creative approach you employed in guiding these two remarkable young men, ensuring their spirits are not solely confined by obligation and convention but can express themselves freely, as was your intention.”
Spencer has consistently advocated for both William, 43, and Harry, 41, throughout the years, notably backing Harry this past January following the resolution of his legal dispute with The Sun. News Group Newspaper, under the ownership of Murdoch, 94, issued an apology to Harry “for the grave invasion” of his personal privacy, and that of his deceased mother, spanning several decades.
On the 27th anniversary of her death, Princess Diana’s brother offered a poignant tribute.
Spencer commended Harry after his triumph, stating in an Instagram message then, “It demands immense courage to confront significant media entities such as these, and extraordinary perseverance to prevail against them. It is truly commendable that Harry also obtained an apology for his mother — I am confident she would be deeply moved by this, and deservedly proud. A truly excellent effort.”
Harry and his spouse, Meghan Markle, relinquished their royal responsibilities in 2020 and have subsequently experienced friction with his father, William, and his wife, Kate Middleton.
Harry, along with Meghan, 44, currently resides in California with their offspring, Prince Archie, aged 6, and Princess Lilibet, aged 4.
“I find contentment living [in the U.S.] and raising my children here,” the Duke of Sussex stated at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit in New York City in December 2024. “This is a facet of my existence I never anticipated experiencing, and it feels akin to the life my mother envisioned for me.”
