Diana’s Brother Backs Security for Harry and Meghan

Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, has called for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to receive official security protection, arguing that their treatment by the media echoes the intense scrutiny his sister faced before her death.

Diana died at age 36 in a 1997 car crash in Paris while photographers pursued her vehicle. Her death triggered worldwide mourning and renewed debate over the media’s aggressive coverage of her private life.

Speaking to the BBC ahead of the publication of his book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, Spencer said his family’s experience made him favor protection for Harry and Meghan. He cited Harry’s position as fifth in line to the British throne and his background as a former soldier.

Spencer described tabloid coverage of Diana, Harry and Meghan as capable of becoming “really, really unpleasant,” saying lessons should be learned from the circumstances surrounding his sister’s death.

His book has also attracted attention for allegations involving King Charles. Spencer claims the then-Prince of Wales appeared unusually upbeat after Diana’s death and later suggested that public interest in her would eventually fade.

Buckingham Palace disputed Spencer’s account, suggesting that grief can affect memory and judgment years after a traumatic loss. Spencer defended his recollection, pointing to language in his widely remembered eulogy at Diana’s funeral stating that she would never be forgotten.

Spencer said he wrote the book ahead of the 30th anniversary of Diana’s death to celebrate her life and reflect on their childhood together.

The publication comes as Harry and Meghan return to Britain after spending six years in the United States. Harry has long challenged the British government’s decision to remove automatic police protection for his family after he stepped back from royal duties in 2020. Following a prolonged legal dispute, the security arrangement is now under review.

Spencer, who recently hosted Harry and Meghan, said the claims in his book would not surprise either Harry or Prince William, adding that he deliberately left out other details concerning the king.