Charles Spencer’s Swan Song is still causing headlines. In a convoluted way, I think Buckingham Palace would probably prefer for the conversation to be centered on whether then-Prince Charles was “giddily elated” over Princess Diana’s 1997 death and whether he hissed “we’ll forget her soon enough.” Buckingham Palace really, really doesn’t want a long-running conversation about whether King Charles was at one point in love with his valet Michael Fawcett, and whether, as A.N. Wilson theorized, Charles is allegedly bisexual (mostly gay) and he’s had some kind of supportive understanding with Camilla for decades. Well, when Charles Spencer was in New York for book promotion, he appeared on Katie Couric’s podcast. Couric actually asked Spencer some follow-up questions about that “in love with his valet” line in Swan Song.
Charles Spencer is offering more detail about one of the more controversial anecdotes from his new book about Princess Diana. The 9th Earl Spencer recently sat down with Katie Couric to discuss his new memoir, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister. The pair spoke about the final months of Diana’s life and Spencer’s present-day relationships with his nephews Prince William and Prince Harry. Diana’s younger brother also recounted the scene recounted in the book where Diana took him to lunch to tell him she was divorcing then-Prince Charles.
“And then she said this line, which I put in the book, which was, ‘My husband’s in love with his valet,’ ” he recalled. “We didn’t push that any further, because the headline was, ‘I’m getting divorced.’ So I remember that, what she said though, because it was quite a jarring thing.”
Rumors of Prince Charles and an “incident” involving a staffer circulated in 2003, when a former aide to the royal won an injunction to stop the Mail on Sunday from printing the allegedly libelous story, per CBS News. Prince Charles’ then-private secretary, Sir Michael Peat, issued a rare denial in response: “The allegation is becoming common currency, and there’s a lot of speculation and innuendo about it. That’s why I want to make it entirely clear, even though I can’t refer to the specifics of the allegation, that it is totally untrue and without a shred of substance,” per the outlet.
As he wrote in Swan Song, Spencer told Couric that he didn’t press his sister for further details on her claim.
“There were no names mentioned then or afterwards,” he said.
“But did you assume it was a man?” Couric followed up. Spencer replied, “I suppose there are female valets, but it would more normally be a male.”
Couric then brought up that, at the same time, Diana would have been aware of Charles’ longtime affair with the future Queen Camilla. “So it was the valet and Camilla?” she asked. “I’m just trying to follow this.”
“All I can do is record what she said. And that’s it,” Spencer replied. “We did not, I mean, genuinely, didn’t explore that avenue, but it was a big thing to say.”
Couric then wondered if “years of being in a loveless marriage had started to take its toll.”
“I’d have thought so,” Spencer agreed. “I mean, with Diana, I juxtaposed the 19-year-old curled up with such excitement on the sofa in her apartment shared with her girlfriends. And then the forlorn figure telling me over lunch in London that this is all over. And it’s very sad.”
I actually think Couric’s reframing is interesting – “a loveless marriage had started to take its toll.” It wasn’t simply that then-Prince Charles had a mistress (then-Camilla Parker Bowles). It’s that he was just never prioritizing Diana whatsoever. There were multiple affairs with different people, possibly women and men. And there were emotional affairs as well. Even if you’re reluctant to believe that King Charles had a sexual affair with Michael Fawcett, there’s no question that they had an emotional affair for decades, and that Fawcett was closer to Charles than nearly anyone else. That also took a toll on Diana, the fact that all of these other people were so much closer to Charles. But yeah, Spencer knew what he was doing when he included that quote. I’m surprised by how few journalists have asked him about it too.
Also: Spencer is correct that most valets are men. Especially for royal men – I doubt that any Windsor man has ever had a female valet.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red.
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- Charles, Prince of Wales, and Diana, Princess of Wales, visit Canada Diana is wearing a Catherine Walker suit and a hat by Graham Smith at Kangol City Hall, Prince George, British Columbia,Image: 513287019, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: WORLD RIGHTS – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries contact Photoshot – sales@photoshot.com London: +44 (0) 20 7421 6000 Florida: +1 239 689 1883 Berlin: +49 (0) 30 76 212 251, Model Release: no, Credit line: John Shelley Collection / Avalon
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- HRH PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES Attending the “Live Aid for Africa” concert at Wembley Stadium COMPULSORY CREDIT: UPPA/Photoshot Photo CFK 194703 13.07.1985,Image: 502725128, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: World Rights – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries call Photoshot Global HQ – London + 44 (0)20 7421 6000 , also New York Office Tel : + 1 646-429-8731 and Hamburg Office Tel +49 (0)40 530 240 5959, Model Release: no, Credit line: Photoshot / Avalon
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- HRH PRINCE OF WALES and HRH PRINCESS OF WALES COMPULSORY CREDIT: UPPA/Photoshot Photo CMS 151805 26.07.1982,Image: 502725297, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: World Rights – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries call Photoshot Global HQ – London + 44 (0)20 7421 6000 , also New York Office Tel : + 1 646-429-8731 and Hamburg Office Tel +49 (0)40 530 240 5959, Model Release: no , Credit line: Photoshot/Avalon
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- Charles, Prince of Wales, and Diana, Princess of Wales, visit Canada Diana is wearing a Catherine Walker suit and a hat by Graham Smith at Kangol City Hall, Prince George, British Columbia,Image: 513291383, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: WORLD RIGHTS – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries contact Photoshot – sales@photoshot.com London: +44 (0) 20 7421 6000 Florida: +1 239 689 1883 Berlin: +49 (0) 30 76 212 251, Model Release: no, Credit line: John Shelley Collection / Avalon
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- Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales leave St. Paul’s Cathedral in a carriage after their wedding on 29 July 1981.,Image: 542511529, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: WORLD RIGHTS – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries contact Photoshot – sales@photoshot.com London: +44 (0) 20 7421 6000 Florida: +1 239 689 1883 Berlin: +49 (0) 30 76 212 251, Model Release: no, Credit line: Anwar Hussein / Avalon
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- Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and Diana, Princess of Wales, meet the crowds in Dunedin, New Zealand,Image: 549236984, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: WORLD RIGHTS – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries contact Photoshot – sales@photoshot.com London: +44 (0) 20 7421 6000 Florida: +1 239 689 1883 Berlin: +49 (0) 30 76 212 251, Model Release: no , Credit line: John Shelley Collection/Avalon
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- Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and Diana, Princess of Wales, visit West Wales Barmouth Naming of a new lifeboat ‘RNLB Princess of Wales’ Diana’s coat dress is made of tan coloured checked wool with brown leather cuffs and collar and was designed by designer Arabella Pollen.,Image: 549312049, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: WORLD RIGHTS – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries contact Photoshot – sales@photoshot.com London: +44 (0) 20 7421 6000 Florida: +1 239 689 1883 Berlin: +49 (0) 30 76 212 251, Model Release: no , Credit line: John Shelley Collection/Avalon
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- Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and Diana, Princess of Wales, visit the Children’s Hospital in Rome, Italy. Diana wore an outfit by Bruce Oldfield.,Image: 549498507, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: WORLD RIGHTS – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries contact Photoshot – sales@photoshot.com London: +44 (0) 20 7421 6000 Florida: +1 239 689 1883 Berlin: +49 (0) 30 76 212 251, Model Release: no, Credit line: John Shelley Collection / Avalon
I believe rumors started before Diana. It was also about a valet who was openly gay (Stephen Barry) and left his royal job when Charles got married. The press doesn’t insist because, I would think, they know the answer.
I think it’s true. We all know that the royals don’t see servants as people so for Charles to show loyalty to Fawcett for over 30 years, you have to question their relationship.
I believe it too. It would explain a lot about how Charles and his family are operating, now and in the past. It would also explain their desperate need to control those who might leave the fold (Diana, Harry, Andrew).
Any other considerations aside, always struck me that his loyalty to Fawcett is similar to his loyalty to Andrew – Fawcett knows (other) things Charles wants to hide. He was kicked out of his final cushy position as head of KCIII’s foundation over the cash for honors scandal, and it always seemed likely that was Fawcett’s purpose, to handle dodgy business behind the scenes. Jason Knauf is Will’s Fawcett-in-training for when he takes the throne.
Fun contrast between A.N. Wilson’s take: “of course, he’s bi or gay, mostly gay, we’ve always known that,” and Katie Couric’s somewhat incredulous curiosity, and “did you assume it was a MAN?!” 😂
Katie’s got a way of asking good questions that seem, on the surface, like she doesn’t already know the answer.
Spencer is very relaxed talking to Couric and it’s a good interview. Covered what was said elsewhere, but also other interesting little details (to me – haven’t read the book yet): he realized his part of the rehearsal for the wedding was about BP trying to find out what his eulogy was going to be (he thwarted it by acting like an “upperclass idiot”), and that the head of a PR agency told him later that the RF was using them to poison him in the media. The interview is linked to another People article.
https://people.com/charles-spencer-says-prince-harry-reaches-out-more-than-prince-william-12152692
I think you mean the “funeral”.
Oops. Yeah, my bad for sure…
Aren’t female valets actually called maids? I’ve never heard of a female being called a valet.
I know that the anti-Sussex brigade doesn’t need an excuse to attack them, but I believe that this reference in Swan Song to Charles having a gay love affair is the reason the attacks on H&M are particularly furious right now. By focusing so totally on the Sussexes, they have managed to keep this particular anecdote somewhat under control. As far as I can tell, Couric is the only interviewer to bring it up, and she’s American.
I think “lady’s maid” to differentiate from kitchen maid, upstairs maid, etc. But the supposition here is that Charles might have had a woman as a valet, which I think is impossible.
Well, kudos to Katie for actually asking questions about it. I kind of wonder if Spencer didn’t follow up bc he already knew things about Charles at that point so there was no need to follow up. He’s just not saying that in the interviews. His interviews have been fire in how he answers so directly and economically, choosing not to say anything extra.
I love the way Charles Spencer has been describing Chuck’s hissy temper in all the interviews. “We all bow our heads in respect at what that pen had to endure,” a “tantrum with a pen” and “hand combat with a pen” in others. American and Canadian interviewers are preferable because they’re not so T’ird polishing as the Brits ‘God save my HRH King!!! — Americans immediately understand the pre-publication palace statement was not a denial, but trying to paint Earl Spencer as crazy, just like he used to do with Diana.
I’m mostly in the not-buying-it camp. Rumors notwithstanding. Diana was in a loveless marriage and I agree with Couric that it was taking a huge toll and obviously is still taking a toll on Charles Spencer. KC is a spoiled narcissist – he couldn’t love Diana because she was too good for him and too much competition for him. Camilla is perfect for him, she takes no spotlight from him whatsoever.
The British press isn’t digging into that detail because they’ve been told not to.
But I can totally believe that Charles is mostly gay (not that there’s anything wrong with that) and that Camilla is his mommy figure/beard.
I’ve always believed that Camilla was strictly on contract. I think Phillip always knew and that’s why he was so tough on Chuckles. I also believe that Edward is hiding behind Sofiesta in the same way, and that Pegs is similarly using KKKate to hide his truth.
It’s a damn shame that these folks cannot be allowed to live their best lives. In this day and age, there should be no shame or stigma.
In “Swan Song” Spencer mentions one incident when KC was young and trying to sport a more casual look at an event with his parents and others. He wore corduroy pants and maybe a vest or something. Philip pointed at him and laughed in front of everyone. Philip was a jerk. Obviously Charles Spencer wasn’t there when it happened (maybe Diana told him?) but it clocks.
There’s a December 1st, 1956 (Charles had just turned 8yrs), with the headline, “WILL PRINCE CHARLES BE A SISSY?” So the sentiment was already there. Charles went to a boarding school the Phill approved of shortly after
Why did Charles fight so hard for Camilla if he’s gay or bisexual? It’s not like she’s the ideal beard after the other famous wife has passed in a tragic way and you have two kids who probably disliked her. Anything is possible, I guess, but, uh, why? Parts of this particular story don’t really make sense.
@ Thinking – I also find it doesn’t make sense. I think Diana was shut out of his life because of his narcissism and his involvement with Camilla, not because he was secretly gay. She was modern enough and compassionate enough as a person to have been able to pivot if he was gay, when in fact she stayed very angry and very hurt over him, and over Camilla (who if he was gay would have been only a beard and far less of a threat to Diana). And “outing” someone as “gay”, as we all know, can be an act of vengeance or humiliation and not truth.
Yes, that’s another part of the story I’m trying to make sense of. Diana would not have been this heartbroken over Charles and ensured he knew what he was missing with the revenge dress if she thought he was gay or bisexual. Make it make sense. No way is a woman going to fight as hard as Diana did if he liked guys. Any sane woman would have said to the valet “Here, he’s yours,” not told Camilla “I want my husband.” Like, what.
And no way is Camilla going to get revenge on her own husband with Charles if she thought he was gay either. How is getting with Charles supposed to make her ex-husband actually feel bad about his own indiscretions since that has often been cited as one of Camilla’s goals.
Maybe Charles Spencer is hoping Charles is gay, but too many parts of the story are falling apart. Or he didn’t understand his own sister’s sense of humor.
It’s possible he is in the closet, and in fact, a big part of his decision to finally get married is because people were starting to wonder if he was leaning that way. Might also be why he asked Uncle Louis for a shag pad and some willing wenches in his twenties. He wasn’t hitting those straight guy milestones. Which would be a problem since Charles was probably terrified of his father, and his father reportedly did not want to send Charles to Eton because he considered it “a breeding ground for sodomites” (to which of Philip’s friends allegedly retorted something like “I got buggered my first week there and I turned out fine.”)
So, I don’t find it all that unbelievable that Charles would cling to Camilla and fool himself into thinking she is the love of his life, even if he prefers the comfort of other men.
That’s right @Monlette IMO, aristocrats have different sets of values and motivations. Camilla was never in love with Charles, but his position (heir to the throne- now king), and the power it wields is undeniable. Her real love was Andrew Parker Bowels, and for me he’s always felt like a handler to the Windsors (he and Anne had/have a thing), and through that lens, Camilla would still want Diana out of the way.
As for Diana, she probably found out about Chucky’s Bisexuality later, and it’s one thing to accept that Camila was a 3rd in her marriage, it’s a whole other thing to find out that Chuck pays more attention to his valet than her, on top of that. Charles never gave her the option to be “understanding”. Also, remember Camilla is the one who encouraged Chuck to marry Diana. They were all very plotting and Diana was the only one who didn’t know what she was getting herself into
Guess 2 things can be true at same time. Camilla fulfills whatever need he has of her.
(Supportive non competitive doesnt demand things he cant give accepting of whatever extra curricular he has going on)
Camilla has always had Charles number. Diana so young and naive never had a chance. In over her head.
Tbh i think she surprised and frustrated them towards the end. She was coming into her own.
I thought that a valet was almost by definition a man? It’s a very old school Posh position. Men had valets and women had ladies’ maids. A gentleman would not have a female valet. Certainly not Charles Windsor in the 1980s.
In the early years of their marriage, the stories came out almost weekly about Diana getting rid of Charles band of sycophants, or in his words, his loyal staff. Diana herself eventually said “I just don’t get rid of people”. It was much more probable that they left because they no longer had the unlimited access to him that they enjoyed before marriage.
In the end, the job of a valet is by definition a very intimate position, part of the job was laying out underwear and even putting the toothpaste on his toothbrush. Preference was always given to gay men as personal staffers as they were thought to not be likely to leave the job to get married. I have no trouble believing that Charles had intimate relationships with several of his staff, he had a very immature personality and the full belief that whatever and whoever he wanted should be available to him. To him it was less likely to be sexual, but about someone willing to gratify his ego, and paid employees were there and available whenever he called.
I hope Charles Spencer destroys Charles Windsor. It’s a much deserved comeuppance, though short of jail time.