Charles Spencer Admits He Is Just an Elderly Uncle Who Hears a Lot More From Prince Harry

Charles Spencer has described himself as 'just an elderly uncle' while saying he hears more from Prince Harry than Prince William.

The 9th Earl Spencer made the comments during the 1 October episode of Katie Couric's Next Question With Katie Couric podcast.

Spencer, 62, discussed his relationships with Diana's sons and his memoir, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, published on 22 September.

He said he has been 'fairly hands-off' with William and Harry as adults and does not see himself as taking either nephew's side.

'I'm just an elderly uncle really,' Spencer said. 'I've always taken the view since Diana died that I'm there if needed, and I'm not if not.... I think these are two men in their 40s and they can make of me what they want or not.' Prince William is 44, while Prince Harry is 42.

Charles Spencer Says Harry Contacts Him More Often

Spencer said he hears from Harry more often, but stressed that the difference does not mean he has chosen one brother over the other.

'I'm not on anyone's side, but I think there are occasions when Harry may need me more,' Spencer said. 'So, I hear a lot more from Harry, but that doesn't mean I'm totally equal. I'm just their mother's brother, you know?'

His comments offered a rare description of his present-day relationships with Diana's sons. Rather than becoming closely involved in their decisions, Spencer portrayed himself as someone who remains available when either nephew needs him.

Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, stepped back as working members of the Royal Family in 2020. During the Couric interview, Spencer also offered his own assessment of Harry's experiences since leaving royal duties.

He compared Harry's treatment with what he believes Diana experienced from the Royal Family and sections of the British press.

'I think even people in Britain have no idea how powerful the royal family remain,' Spencer said. 'You think, oh, it's nice pageantry, and they flounce around at state occasions. They have direct access to seriously powerful people who are either sycophantic or going to benefit in some way.'

'And this is what Diana came up against. Harry's come up against it,' he added. 'I get it for two or three weeks, and then they'll move on to someone else. Harry gets it every day, and it's not okay.'

Charles Spencer Discusses Harry's Return to Britain

Spencer also said Harry had not told him in advance about plans to relocate his family to Britain. Harry, Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, returned to the UK in August. Harry later publicly confirmed the move and said his children were 'happy in school'.

'As I said, I didn't know about it in advance, but I guess he's English, you know, and he wants his children to have that culture too,' Spencer said. 'So it made sense... I think when two people marry from different cultures, you don't want your culture forgotten, really.'

Spencer has also said he told relatives about Swan Song: Diana, My Sister. He previously said William and Harry learned about the memoir at the same time as his sisters, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes.

'I told them at the same time,' Spencer said. He explained that William, Harry, Sarah and Jane were informed together, adding that Harry was 'completely fine about it.'

Spencer said Harry had asked whether the memoir contained anything embarrassing about him and was reassured that it did not.

'I think it's natural that people so in the public eye are concerned about how they will come across in the book,' Spencer said. 'But I could reassure both of them that they're, of course, in the book, but really as examples of two little boys who had the most exceptional mother. I'm not in any way compromising their privacy at all.'

Spencer's comments portray his relationship with both nephews as supportive but deliberately limited. He said he remains available when they want him rather than trying to influence their decisions.

For now, that means hearing more from Harry. Spencer nevertheless framed the difference as a matter of circumstance, saying there are occasions when his younger nephew may simply 'need me more.'