Earl Spencer, the brother of the late Princess Diana, has alleged that King Charles III, then Prince of Wales, "went ballistic" during a phone call in the days immediately following Diana's death.

Spencer made the claim in an exclusive interview with the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, referencing allegations detailed in his new book. The reported argument centered on whether Diana's sons, Princes William and Harry, should participate in their mother's funeral procession.

According to Spencer, Charles stated during the heated conversation that Diana would "be forgotten soon enough." The Earl has made these claims as part of his new book, bringing renewed attention to the sensitive period following the princess's tragic death.

Buckingham Palace issued a strongly-worded response to Spencer's book claims, suggesting that "the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgement and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss." This statement implies that Spencer's recollection may be influenced by his grief.

The controversy highlights the intense public and private scrutiny surrounding the Royal Family in the aftermath of Diana's death in August 1997. The decision for the young princes to walk behind their mother's coffin was one of the most scrutinized aspects of the funeral and remains a subject of discussion.

Earl Spencer has previously been vocal about his relationship with the Royal Family and his concerns regarding his sister's treatment. His latest allegations add another layer to the complex narrative surrounding Diana's life and death, and the impact it had on the monarchy.

This revelation comes at a time when the Royal Family is navigating public perception and maintaining its relevance. The differing accounts from Earl Spencer and the Palace underscore the challenges in reconciling personal memories with official narratives, particularly in moments of profound national mourning.

Further details of Earl Spencer's interview and the specific contents of his book are expected to provide more context to these significant claims, potentially reigniting public interest in the events and decisions made during that highly charged period.