Eye

WWD’s Highlights of Paris Art Week

Business

Harrods Turns Up the Lights for Diwali — and the Business Follows

Sourcing Journal

Shein to Pay $100 Million to Settle FTC Probe

King Charles Told Princess Diana’s Brother ‘We’ll Forget Her Soon Enough,’ According to New Memoir Reigniting Royal Tensions

The new Princess Diana book written by Charles Spencer is already a No. 1 bestseller days before its release on Sept. 22.

By Sophie Dunne Plus Icon

Sophie Dunne

E-Commerce Writer

Recent Articles by Sophie Dunne

View All

September 17, 2026, 2:21pm

Add us as a Google Preferred Source

Shop Princess Diana books online

Courtesy Tim Graham/Contributor, Penguin Press

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.

In this article

View More

Charles Spencer’s new book, “Swan Song: Diana, My Sister,” is already bringing the royal family to the front pages of tabloids for all the wrong reasons. Out Sept. 22, the memoir puts the spotlight on King Charles, with claims that he told Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, on the phone after Diana’s death, “We’ll forget her soon enough.”

Shop the New Book + Biographies, Memoirs, and Photo Collections on Princess Diana

Shop Princess Diana books online

BROTHER’S MEMOIR

“Swan Song: Diana, My Sister” by Charles Spencer

Buy Now at amazon $24.50 Jump to Details

Shop Princess Diana books online

DIANA’S POV

“Diana: Her True Story” by Andrew Morton

Buy Now at amazon $29.31 Jump to Details

Shop Princess Diana books online

COFFEE TABLE PHOTO BOOK

“Remembering Diana: A Life in Photographs” by National Geographic

Buy Now at amazon $34.49 Jump to Details

Shop Princess Diana books online

HER PERSONAL BUTLER’S POV

“The Royal Insider: My Life with the Queen, the King and Princess Diana” by Paul Burrell

Buy Now at amazon $16.89 Jump to Details

Shop Princess Diana books online

OVERVIEW OF DIANA’S LIFE

“Princess Diana: A Life from Beginning to End” by Hourly History

Buy Now at amazon $19.99 Jump to Details

View more +

In an excerpt from the book, which leaked after it was reported to have been stolen from a truck in the Netherlands, Spencer claims that he and then-Prince Charles argued over Spencer’s demands that a young Prince William and Prince Harry not walk in their mother’s funeral procession in front of millions of eyes during a time of great mourning, insisting that Diana would not have wanted it. Spencer wrote that Charles unbolted “a stream of anger” over the issue, saying “Rest assured … we’ll forget her soon enough.”

Related Articles

Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia (C) are applauded as they enter the Campoamor theatre to attend the 2026 Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony in Oviedo on October 23, 2026. (Photo by ANDER GILLENEA / AFP)

Industry News

Queen Letizia's Dress Highlights Pyratex Recycled Lyocell Fabric

Where to Shop Molly-Mae's Adidas Samba Slate Sneaker; Sold-Out Matcha Adidas Sneaker; Split image showing Molly-Mae Hague wearing gray Adidas Samba Slate sneakers styled with wide-leg sweatpants and a checkered blouse, alongside a second look pairing the sneakers with oversized tailoring.

Shop Shoes

Molly-Mae's Adidas Samba Slate Sneaker Arrives as the Matcha Colorway Sells Out in Minutes

Members of the royal family are known for keeping a stiff upper lip in matters of controversy, but the book’s excerpt prompted a quick response from the palace, which shared a statement, per the BBC, saying: “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 judgment and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss.” Despite the controversy — or because of it — the book has already hit No. 1 on the charts.

Charles Spencer’s first book about the former Princess of Wales is already an Amazon No. 1 bestseller. Royal fans and pundits eagerly await his perspective on the late princess, as one of the few close allies she had during her turbulent life as a royal.

Buy Swan Song Princess Diana Book Online

Amazon

BROTHER’S MEMOIR

“Swan Song: Diana, My Sister” by Charles Spencer

No. 1 Amazon Bestseller

$24.50 $35.00 30% off

Buy Now at amazon

$24.50 $35.00 30% off

Buy Now at barnes & noble

$32.62

Buy Now at bookshop.org

Published by Penguin Press and arriving Sept. 22, 2026, “Swan Song: Diana, My Sister” is Charles Spencer’s first book devoted to his sibling.

It’s no surprise that her brother’s book has hit the top of the charts, as interest in Princess Diana’s life and legacy remains remarkably strong even decades after her death, with each new personal anecdote about her consistently attracting a huge amount of curiosity. When Prince Harry released his 2023 autobiography, “Spare,” part of the anticipation centered on what he would reveal about his mother, including his childhood memories and the moment he learned she had died.

Hundreds of biographies, memoirs, and photo collections of Princess Diana have been created over the years, but Charles Spencer’s book offers something distinct — a family perspective shaped by shared childhood, private memories, and decades of grief and remembrance.

The 9th Earl Spencer draws on childhood memories, family experiences, and his firsthand knowledge of Diana to explore their close bond and her transformation into a global icon, while revealing new details into her thoughts on motherhood, public service, a difficult marriage, and the relentless press attention. Spencer also writes about the devastating events surrounding Diana’s untimely death in 1997.

“Swan Song: Diana, My Sister” is the latest book to be released about the “People’s Princess.”

Buy Diana Her True Story Fully Revised 25th Anniversary Edition by Andrew Morton

Amazon

DIANA’S POV

“Diana: Her True Story” by Andrew Morton

25th Anniversary Edition

$29.31

Buy Now at amazon

$20.99

Buy Now at barnes & noble

$43.70

Buy Now at bookshop.org

Andrew Morton’s groundbreaking “Diana: Her True Story” sent shockwaves through royal circles and in public when it was published in 1992.

The book was based on recordings that Diana’s friend, Dr. James Colthurst, made with her consent before passing them to Morton, who used the tapes as the basis for the book. Diana’s involvement in the recordings was not publicly revealed until after her death. The result was an unusually candid account of her marriage, life within the royal family, personal struggles, hopes, and fears. The fully revised 25th-anniversary edition includes additional material from the recordings made with Diana, while also exploring her enduring legacy and influence on the modern monarchy.

Buy Princess Diana coffee table book picture book

Amazon

COFFEE TABLE PHOTO BOOK

“Remembering Diana: A Life in Photographs” by National Geographic

$34.49

Buy Now at amazon

$35.00

Buy Now at barnes & noble

$32.62

Buy Now at bookshop.org

Published 20 years after her death in 2017, “Remembering Diana: A Life in Photographs” presents more than 100 images chronicling Diana from childhood through royal life, motherhood, public appearances, and humanitarian work.

The lavish collection includes a foreword by royal journalist and biographer Tina Brown, who spent one-on-one time with the late princess during a lunch at the Four Seasons in New York just weeks before her death.

Buy Princess Diana book by personal butler

Amazon

HER PERSONAL BUTLER’S POV

“The Royal Insider: My Life with the Queen, the King and Princess Diana” by Paul Burrell

$16.89 $28.00 40% off

Buy Now at amazon

$28.00

Buy Now at barnes & noble

Former royal servant Paul Burrell draws on more than two decades inside the royal household in “The Royal Insider: My Life with the Queen, the King and Princess Diana.”

He recounts his years serving Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III, and Princess Diana, alongside stories about palace life, royal relationships, and Diana’s marriage. Despite being a point of contention for Prince William and Prince Harry, who’ve publicly admonished him for revealing personal details about Diana for financial gain, this memoir is only one of several royal tell-alls penned by Burrell. The former royal butler also wrote “The Way We Were: Remembering Diana” in 2006; “A Royal Duty” in 2003; and “In the Royal Manner: Expert Advice on Etiquette and Entertaining” in 1999.

Shop Princess Diana books online

Amazon

OVERVIEW OF DIANA’S LIFE

“Princess Diana: A Life from Beginning to End” by Hourly History

$19.99

Buy Now at amazon

“Princess Diana: A Life from Beginning to End” offers a concise — though unofficial — biography of the late royal.

The book traces Diana’s journey from her aristocratic childhood through marriage, royal life, divorce, charitable work, media scrutiny, and her death in 1997. Published by Hourly History, a publisher specializing in quick-read history books, the title provides an accessible overview for readers seeking a concise introduction to Diana’s short life.

Why Trust WWD

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail, and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Author

Sophie Dunne is an E-Commerce Writer at Penske Media Corporation, writing across WWD, Footwear News, Billboard, Rolling Stone, and The Hollywood Reporter. Originally from Ireland and based in Los Angeles, she previously worked at Static Media as a writer and editor across all brands, covering entertainment, lifestyle, fashion, and travel. Her bylines have appeared in Women’s Health, The List, Women.com, Islands, Grunge, WebMD, and more. Before beginning her writing career in 2019, Dunne lived in Dubai for four years, working as an Emirates Cabin Crew Member. Having traveled to 71 countries with the airline, she began writing for an LA-based publication as a travel writer during her final year. Dunne has a degree in Humanities from Carlow College, St. Patrick’s (now South East Technological University) in her native Ireland. She studied English, history, philosophy, and psychology.

Tags

Newsletters

Sign up for WWD news straight to your inbox every day

Sign up

WWD Recommends

Shop Princess Diana books online

Ferran Torres Talks World Cup and That Hat

Shop Princess Diana books online

Character Study: Classic Men’s Looks with Modern Updates

Shop Princess Diana books online

Thom Browne and Teyana Taylor: Designer and Muse

Shop Princess Diana books online

CEO Talks: How Gucci Westman and David Neville Are Building a Luxury Beauty Brand for the Ages

Shop Princess Diana books online

Icebreakers with François Arnaud

Shop Princess Diana books online

Getting Ready for Marc Jacobs 2026 with Nicky Hilton

Shop Princess Diana books online

'Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans' Stars Talk Costumes and Society

Shop Princess Diana books online

Getting Ready with Kerry Washington & Michael Kors

Shop Princess Diana books online

Head to Toe: How to Style Outerwear for Everywhere

Shop Princess Diana books online

A Tour of the New Hermès Madison Avenue Flagship

Shop Princess Diana books online

Adidas Terminates Yeezy Partnership With Ye With Immediate Effect

Shop Princess Diana books online

Louis Vuitton Launches New Exhibition in NYC

Shop Princess Diana books online

Willy Chavarria Takes Us Backstage of His Energetic SS23 Collection Minutes Before Showtime

Shop Princess Diana books online

Head To Toe: Transitioning Your Wardrobe

Shop Princess Diana books online

A closer look at LaQuan Smith's new collection and designing for Beyonce

Shop Princess Diana books online

WWD Report Card: Beyoncé’s Fashion ‘Renaissance’

Shop Princess Diana books online

Men’s Spring 2023 Trend: Skin Show

Shop Princess Diana books online

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Stars Kim Chi and Trixie Mattel Launch Beauty Collaboration

Shop Princess Diana books online

Zoey Deutch Shares Her Red Carpet Favorites and What it's Like Backstage at the Met Gala

Shop Princess Diana books online

A Look at Serena Williams’ Best On-Court Tennis Outfits Over the Years

Shop Princess Diana books online

Megan Fox’s Best Fashion Moments Over the Years

Shop Princess Diana books online

WWD Report Card: Selena Gomez’s Fashion Evolution

Shop Princess Diana books online

The Biggest Fashion Collaborations of 2022 — So Far

Shop Princess Diana books online

5 Things To Know About The Louis Vuitton And Nike Air Force 1 Sneaker Collection

Shop Princess Diana books online

LAUNCH PAD: First Look at the New J. Crew

Shop Princess Diana books online

WWD Report Card: Brad Pitt vs Ryan Gosling

Shop Princess Diana books online

Report Card: Rating the Looks from Paris Couture Week

Shop Princess Diana books online

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 5 | Kenzo, Hermès, Thom Browne

Shop Princess Diana books online

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 4 | Junya Watanabe, Dior, Officine Generale

Shop Princess Diana books online

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 3 | Issey Miyake, Amiri

Shop Princess Diana books online

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 2 | Lemaire, Givenchy, Reese Cooper

Shop Princess Diana books online

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 1 | John Elliott, EgonLab

Shop Princess Diana books online

First Impressions: Milan Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 2 | Versace, Fendi, Armani, MSGM

Shop Princess Diana books online

First Impressions: Milan Men's Spring 2023 | Day 1

Shop Princess Diana books online

First Impressions: Milan Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 3 | Etro, Prada, JW Anderson

Shop Princess Diana books online

Hot Summer Bags

Shop Princess Diana books online

WWD + Beauty Inc. at Cosmoprof 2022

Shop Princess Diana books online

On the Red Carpet at the 2022 Met Gala: All the Looks

Shop Princess Diana books online

'And Just Like That' Costume Designers Talk Process for New HBO Show

Shop Princess Diana books online

Netflix's 'Halston' Costume Designer Talks Working with Ewan McGregor

Shop Princess Diana books online

Video: J Balvin on the Deeper Meaning of the J Balvin x Air Jordan 1 Sneaker

Shop Princess Diana books online

Video: How Princess Diana’s Fashion Choices Hinted at What Was Happening Behind Palace Doors

Shop Princess Diana books online

Video: Do These Outrageous Celebrity Fashion Looks Hold Up?

Shop Princess Diana books online

Video: Sarah Cooper — Writer, Comedian, Trump Impersonator, and More

Shop Princess Diana books online

Video: Bob the Drag Queen Grades Legendary Fashion Looks

Shop Princess Diana books online

Video: Supreme Court Style: Inside the Legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Collars

Shop Princess Diana books online

Video: The Origins of French Girl Style à la Chanel

Shop Princess Diana books online

Video: WWD Presents 'Creating Queer'

Shop Princess Diana books online

Video: Model Shaun Ross Talks Diversity in the Fashion Industry

Shop Princess Diana books online

Video: Fashion for All CEO Hannah Stoudemire On Her #BreakingtheSilence Campaign⁣

Shop Princess Diana books online

These Inclusive Face Masks Provide Functional PPE to All Frontline Workers

Most Popular

WWD

Get all the top news stories and alerts straight to your inbox.

Enter your Email

Sign Up Sign Up

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. // This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.