Swan Song by Charles Spencer: What the Memoir Covers
Swan Song: Diana, My Sister is Charles Spencer’s account of his sister, published to coincide with the 30th anniversary of her death. The publisher presents it as the first time he has written at length about Diana, from an unusually close family vantage point. It reached number one on the New York Times hardcover nonfiction list.
- Book: Swan Song: Diana, My Sister
- Author: Charles Spencer
- Published: September 22, 2026, Penguin Press (US) / Penguin Random House UK
- Themes: family, grief, memory and setting the record straight
What is Swan Song?
Swan Song: Diana, My Sister is Charles Spencer’s account of his sister, published to coincide with the 30th anniversary of her death. The publisher presents it as the first time he has written at length about Diana, from an unusually close family vantage point. It reached number one on the New York Times hardcover nonfiction list.
About Charles Spencer
Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, is the younger brother of Diana, Princess of Wales. He is a historian and bestselling author, and he delivered the widely watched eulogy at her funeral in 1997.
What the book covers
- Diana’s life as seen by her brother, including their shared childhood
- His own memories and views, which he says have often been overshadowed by other accounts
- The final period of her life, ahead of the 30th anniversary of her death in Paris in August 1997
- A positive portrait of who she was, in his words
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Find my memoir writerWho it’s for
Readers interested in the royal family and in Diana’s life and legacy, and anyone drawn to family memoirs about a sibling.
What it shows about writing a memoir
Swan Song is a family member telling a loved one’s story in his own words, which is exactly what many legacy books do on a private scale. If you are thinking about your own book, our guides on memoir and life story writing explain how the process works, and our memoir ghostwriter guide introduces the writers behind well-known life stories.
Where to buy Swan Song
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Get the free interview kitFrequently asked questions
What is Swan Song about?
Swan Song: Diana, My Sister is Charles Spencer’s account of his sister, published to coincide with the 30th anniversary of her death. The publisher presents it as the first time he has written at length about Diana, from an unusually close family vantage point. It reached number one on the New York Times hardcover nonfiction list.
When was Swan Song released?
Swan Song: Diana, My Sister by Charles Spencer was published by Penguin Press (US) / Penguin Random House UK on September 22, 2026.
Who is Charles Spencer?
Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, is the younger brother of Diana, Princess of Wales. He is a historian and bestselling author, and he delivered the widely watched eulogy at her funeral in 1997.
Where can I buy Swan Song?
Swan Song is available in hardcover, ebook and audiobook from major retailers including Bookshop.org, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Audible, and from local bookstores.
Can I write a memoir even if I’m not famous?
Yes. Most memoirs are written by people who are not public figures, often for family or a small readership. Many people work with a memoir ghostwriter who interviews them and writes the book in their voice. Our Writer Match Quiz can help you find the right kind of writer.
This page describes the book using information from the publisher and press coverage. It is not a review, and My Book Written is not affiliated with the author or publisher.
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