Imagine standing before the world, tasked with honoring the memory of someone as iconic as Princess Diana. It’s a moment that could break even the strongest among us. Yet, Charles Spencer, her brother, not only rose to the occasion but delivered a eulogy that has been etched into history. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: the words he shared that day weren’t his original plan. In a recent revelation on Gyles Brandreth’s Rosebud podcast, the 9th Earl Spencer opened up about the emotional journey behind his speech, shedding light on a side of the story most people have never heard.
In 1997, Charles Spencer’s eulogy at Princess Diana’s funeral was a masterclass in heartfelt tribute. He spoke of her ‘selfless humanity’ and made a solemn pledge to protect her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. ‘We, your blood family, will do all we can to continue the imaginative way in which you were steering these two exceptional young men,’ he declared, ensuring their lives wouldn’t be consumed by duty alone. But what if I told you this wasn’t the speech he initially wrote? And this is the part most people miss…
During his podcast appearance, Spencer confessed, ‘I wrote something very different.’ At the time, he was living in South Africa and had to fly back overnight, grappling with overwhelming grief. ‘I was in bits,’ he recalled, supported by a kind stewardess during the journey. Like many of us, he sought to keep busy, flipping through his address book in search of someone—anyone—who could deliver the eulogy instead. ‘I got to ‘Z’ and hadn’t found anyone,’ he admitted. Upon landing at Heathrow, he called his mother, only to learn that his family had already decided: the task was his.
His first draft was traditional, filled with childhood anecdotes and safe, predictable tributes. ‘But then I thought, ‘This is ridiculous, that’s not who she was,’ he explained. Here’s where it gets controversial: Spencer realized his role wasn’t just to eulogize but to speak for Diana, to embody her voice and values. He knew she had informally named him guardian of her sons, a role that, while legally insignificant, carried immense personal weight. ‘That sort of duty, I think,’ he reflected. And so, in just an hour and a half, he crafted the speech that would move millions.
Interestingly, Spencer also revealed he removed a reference to Rupert Murdoch from the final version. ‘Why bother?’ he asked, refusing to give the media mogul unnecessary publicity. Is this a subtle critique of the media’s role in Diana’s life? A question worth discussing.
Fans were quick to praise Spencer’s honesty and eloquence. One listener wrote, ‘His words were perfect. You could hear the pain and anger in his voice—it’s unforgettable.’ Another added, ‘The eulogy lifted spirits and brought people together. It was a ripple of emotion that echoed beyond the cathedral.’ But what do you think? Did Spencer’s eulogy truly capture Diana’s essence, or was there something more he could have said?
Reflecting on the 20th anniversary of Diana’s death, Spencer shared a startling detail: by the end of the eulogy, he was nearly out of breath. ‘I had to punch each syllable out of the base of my stomach,’ he told People magazine. He also criticized the decision to have young William and Harry walk behind their mother’s coffin, calling it ‘the most horrifying half-hour of my life.’ Is this a fair critique of royal tradition, or was it a necessary part of the public mourning process? Let’s hear your thoughts.
Charles Spencer’s journey from a traditional draft to a heartfelt tribute is a testament to the power of authenticity. His eulogy wasn’t just a speech—it was a promise, a legacy, and a love letter to his sister. But here’s the question: In honoring Diana, did he also challenge the very traditions she was a part of? Share your opinions below.
