Swan Song: Diana, my sister

· Penguin Random House Audio · Narrated by Charles Spencer
6 reviews
Audiobook
9 hr 46 min
Unabridged
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About this audiobook

The #1 New York Times bestseller

Beautiful. Beloved. Hunted. The extraordinary life and death of Diana, as told by her brother, Charles.


“A brotherly tribute to the People’s Princess, no holds barred . . . Full of love and vengeance.” —The New York Times

“Charles Spencer was there for all this history, indelibly present in one of the most iconic tableaux of the late 20th century . . . After holding back for so long, his memoir finally tells us what it was like." —Tina Brown, Fresh Hell Substack


In September 1997, Charles Spencer stood in Westminster Abbey before a watching world and shared his grief at losing his beloved sister, Diana. Now, nearly thirty years later, he tells the astonishing story of his life with Diana and the tragic week of her death.

In childhood, Charles and Diana, the youngest Spencers, were inseparable – secretly calling one another Duch and Carlos. As each other’s closest confidantes, they roamed the family estate, endured extremely challenging boarding schools, survived terrifying nannies, and helped each other through the agony of their parents’ divorce.

Yet everything changed when Diana married the Prince of Wales, now King Charles III, and overnight became a global icon. Charles saw his older sister serve the world’s marginalized and relish being mother to her treasured sons.

But, pursued by a barbaric press as her royal marriage crumbled, she was left desperately alone. Charles always tried to be there for Diana – until that black night in August, 1997.

In Swan Song, Charles Spencer provides the most intimate, loving, and honest portrait yet of his sister.
The #1 New York Times bestseller Beautiful. Beloved. Hunted. The extraordinary life and death of Diana, as told by her brother, Charles. “A brotherly tribute to the People’s Princess, no holds barred . . . Full of love and vengeance.” —The New York Times “Charles Spencer was there for all this...

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Ratings and reviews

7 reviews
CL
September 24, 2026
A good balance of insight into Diana's past and challenges, while providing interesting context. Those who were around during the circus of her life and death will appreciate this look behind the scenes.
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Katie Zimmerman
September 23, 2026
exceptional
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About the author

Charles Spencer is an author, historian, public speaker, broadcaster, and journalist. He is also the 9th Earl Spencer. Spencer is the author of nine nonfiction books, including four Sunday Times bestsellers. A globally in-demand keynote speaker, he worked for NBC News as an on-air correspondent from 1986 to 1995. He has presented for the History Channel, was a co-host of the hit Rabbit Hole Detectives podcast, and has written for many newspapers and magazines. He is a columnist for the Financial Times.

Spencer was educated at Eton College, and at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he obtained his MA in Modern History.

He is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries.
Charles Spencer is an author, historian, public speaker, broadcaster, and journalist. He is also the 9th Earl Spencer. Spencer is the author of nine nonfiction books, including four Sunday Times bestsellers. A globally in-demand keynote speaker, he worked for NBC News as an on-air correspondent f...

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