Charles Spencer Apologises to Piers Morgan Over Diana Book Error as Legal Fight Rages

Charles Spencer has apologised to Piers Morgan for wrongly suggesting in his new memoir that the broadcaster was responsible for publishing gym photos of Princess Diana, but Morgan is still pursuing legal action against Spencer and his publisher.

Morgan says he is continuing with proceedings against Spencer and Penguin over claims about him in Spencer's memoir, 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister'. The row centres on photographs of Diana exercising in a gym that appeared in the 'Sunday Mirror' in 1993.

Charles Spencer Admits His Mistake

In 'Swan Song', Spencer describes personally contacting newspaper editors to tell them they were not welcome at Diana's funeral after she died in 1997. He recalls Morgan as being angry during their conversation and links that reaction to his belief that Morgan had been responsible for the publication of intrusive photographs of Diana at a gym.

However, Morgan has disputed that account, pointing out that he was not working for the 'Daily Mirror' when the photographs were published. The images appeared in the 'Sunday Mirror' on 7 November 1993.

Morgan did not join the 'Daily Mirror' until October 1995, when he became its editor. At the time the photographs were published, he was working as a showbusiness columnist for 'The Sun'.

Spencer subsequently acknowledged that he had incorrectly assumed Morgan was editor of the 'Daily Mirror' at the time. In a statement, Spencer said that Morgan had correctly pointed out that he did not join the newspaper until 1995. He said that, as an historian, accuracy was important to him and apologised to Morgan for the error.

Piers Morgan Still Threatens Legal Action

Despite the apology, Morgan has indicated that the dispute is not over. He previously said he intended to take legal action over what he described as false claims about him in the memoir. Following Spencer's apology, he said he was continuing with legal proceedings against both Spencer and Penguin.

Morgan said he wanted the disputed claims removed from the book and damages paid to the King's Trust. The broadcaster had strongly rejected Spencer's account before the apology, arguing that the dates surrounding the photographs demonstrated that he could not have been responsible for their publication.

Morgan also questioned whether the error undermined confidence in other claims made in the memoir. The dispute is therefore focused on more than Spencer's recollection of his conversation with Morgan.

The two sides disagree over the accuracy and implications of passages in the book, with Morgan arguing that the account presents him in a damaging way.

What Does 'Swan Song' Say About Diana?

The controversy comes as Spencer's memoir has attracted wider attention for its revelations about Diana, her relationship with the Royal Family and the aftermath of her death. Among the most disputed claims is Spencer's account of an alleged conversation with the then-Prince Charles following Diana's death in 1997.

Spencer has claimed that Charles told him, 'we'll forget her soon enough', while discussing arrangements surrounding Diana's funeral and the involvement of their sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. Buckingham Palace has strongly rejected the account, saying that grief can affect memory and judgement.

Spencer has also written about his belief that newspaper coverage contributed to the intense media scrutiny Diana faced during her lifetime. His memoir has therefore reopened long-running arguments surrounding Diana's relationship with the press, the Royal Family and those closest to her.

The Dispute Continues

Spencer's apology has resolved one specific factual error: he accepts that Morgan was not editor of the 'Daily Mirror' when the photographs were published. However, Morgan's decision to continue pursuing legal action means the wider dispute remains unresolved.

The case also places renewed attention on the distinction between a disputed recollection and an established historical fact. Morgan disputes Spencer's characterisation of his involvement, while Spencer has now corrected his assumption about Morgan's position at the time.

For now, 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister' remains at the centre of the controversy, with Spencer's apology addressing the factual error but not ending Morgan's threatened legal battle over the claims made about him.