How Prince Philip “Overruled” King Charles at Diana’s Funeral

Earl Spencer’s new book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, has already created waves due to some of the allegations it contains about the Royal Family. As Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer had a front row view to his sister’s relationship with the royals. And according to a new excerpt from Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, published by the Daily Mail, King Charles found himself being “overruled” by Prince Philip at Diana’s funeral.

Princess Diana‘s funeral took place at Westminster Abbey in London on September 6, 1997. Recalling the emotionally devastating day, Spencer writes in the new book, “Prince Philip was there, his usual gruffness replaced by a calm and quiet kindness. He was clearly determined to help his motherless grandsons in their walk to the funeral, and he did so with grace.”

According to Spencer, “Prince Charles tried to take charge, having seemingly thought hard about the formation that the five of us chief mourners would adopt behind Diana.” Earl Spencer famously walked behind Diana’s casket with her sons, Prince Harry and Prince William, her ex-husband King Charles, and ex-father-in-law, Prince Philip.