It was a moment that left the world in mourning: Princess Diana’s funeral on September 6, 1997. For many, it felt like a shared loss, but perhaps no one felt the weight of her passing as deeply as her younger brother, Earl Charles Spencer. As the world watched, Charles took on the monumental task of delivering a eulogy for his beloved sister. Now, years later, he's opening up about the emotional toll of that day and sharing what he really thought about the royal family's reaction.

A Brother’s Tribute: Charles Spencer’s Eulogy

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Standing in Westminster Abbey, Charles delivered words that would resonate with millions. "For taking Diana at her most beautiful and radiant, when she had joy in her private life," he said, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. "Above all, we give thanks for the life of a woman I am so proud to be able to call my sister—the unique, the complex, the extraordinary and irreplaceable Diana whose beauty, both internal and external, will never be extinguished from our minds." These words weren’t just a tribute; they were a celebration of a life well-lived, a life that touched so many.

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Charles Reflects on Speaking for His Sister

Years later, Charles spoke candidly about the experience on Radio 4’s Today program. He admitted that delivering the eulogy was one of the most challenging moments of his life. "I was trying to speak for somebody who had no longer got a voice," he explained. "All I was trying to do was, as a brother, speak for my sister who was no longer there." It was more than just a speech; it was a way to honor her memory and ensure her voice was heard, even in her absence.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Some may have interpreted his words as a critique of the media’s treatment of Diana in her final days, but Charles insists that wasn't his intention. He was simply speaking the truth as he saw it. "I don’t feel I said many pointed things," he explained. "I believe that every word I said was true, and it was important for me to be honest. I wasn’t looking to make any jabs at anyone actually; I was trying to celebrate Diana—and if by doing that it showed up the press in a bad way, well, they had that coming. In her final years, Diana was really brought low by elements of the paparazzi and the tabloids."

Queen Elizabeth's Support

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Interestingly, Charles revealed that his eulogy had the blessing of the crown. Queen Elizabeth herself had told him that he had a right to say what he felt. This support from the highest echelons of the royal family speaks volumes about the respect and admiration they had for Diana. It’s a testament to her enduring legacy that Charles’s heartfelt words continue to resonate with people all these years later.

While the world may have moved on, Charles’s memories of his sister remain as vivid as ever. His eulogy wasn’t just a moment in history; it was a deeply personal tribute from a brother who loved his sister dearly. And as the years go by, those words continue to remind us of the extraordinary life and legacy of Princess Diana.