The latest excerpt from Charles Spencer’s book “Swan Song: Diana, My Sister” raises allegations about the reasons behind Princess Diana’s divorce. The book reveals Diana’s claim that then-Prince Charles had an affair with his valet. This claim is briefly mentioned in the book, which focuses more on tense conversations between Spencer and Charles after Diana’s 1997 death.
Earlier in the excerpt, Spencer recounts a 1990s lunch in London with Diana. She confided her plans for divorce, motivated by Charles’ alleged affair. “But my husband is in love with his valet,” Diana reportedly told her brother. Although Spencer does not name the valet, journalist Tom Sykes identifies him as Michael Fawcett, amid lingering rumors from the 2000s.
According to a 2003 report in The Guardian, the police investigated claims of misconduct in the royal household but found no evidence. Charles’ spokesperson dismissed the allegations as “totally ludicrous” at that time.
Fawcett, who rose from a footman to Charles’ closest confidant, later became embroiled in a 2021 scandal involving alleged unethical dealings for personal gain. Known as the “cash-for-honors” scandal, Fawcett was investigated but not charged.
The rumor of an affair allegedly stemmed from valet George Smith, who claimed, amidst mental health challenges, to have witnessed inappropriate incidents. Diana is said to have recorded Smith’s account, but the tape disappeared after her death. Paul Burrell, Diana’s butler, mentioned seeing this evidence during his court trial, which collapsed after revelations of his confessions to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Fawcett legally challenged a publication in 2003 over this affair rumor, calling the claims “false and damaging.” Sir Michael Peat, then a spokesperson for Charles, defended the prince, asserting the accusations, made by someone with mental health issues, lacked truth. He said Charles’ integrity made the allegations “risible.”
Though Prince William and Prince Harry were aware of these rumors, Buckingham Palace later issued a general repudiation of Spencer’s book, suggesting grief might “cloud reason” and “color memory.”
Noteworthy was broadcaster Piers Morgan’s reaction to Spencer’s claims. He expressed shock at potential damage to King Charles’ reputation, while some of his followers viewed Spencer’s claims as “ridiculous.” Questions arise about Spencer’s motivations and timing, as he did not address the valet rumors in prior works.
The excerpt also elaborates on Spencer’s interactions with Charles post-Diana’s death. Spencer depicts Charles as “giddily elated” upon hearing of the fatal accident and later described their disagreement over William and Harry’s participation in Diana’s funeral procession. Spencer accused Charles of expressing “pent-up contempt” and a remark implying Diana would soon be forgotten.