Earl Spencer's memoir on Diana races up bestseller list amid royal controversy

The memoir also includes unflattering portrayals of Diana's stepmother, Raine Spencer, recounting an incident where Diana allegedly pushed Raine down the stairs after being insulted. The book also touches on Diana's preferences, including the soap opera "Crossroads" and the music of David Bowie, and her reading habits, noting she favored the Daily Mail.

Spencer's eulogy at Diana's funeral, which he kept secret to avoid toning down his criticism of the press and royals, is also recounted. He details his efforts to disinvite tabloid editors from the funeral and explains Diana's burial on an island at the Spencers' Althorp estate.

References to King Charles are largely negative, with the book suggesting he was jealous of Diana's popularity and felt treated like a child by his parents. A "senior courtier" is quoted as reporting an alleged comment by the late Queen about Charles resenting being taught the alphabet. The book also mentions a bizarre discussion about whether Charles's ears should have been pinned back and an improbable allegation that Diana said the King was in love with his valet.

While the book focuses on the "Diana era" and the Spencers' childhood happiness, it also touches on cruelty within boarding schools and a morbid nickname given to a boy who accidentally shot his father. The narrative is framed as the younger brother's attempt to make sense of events, with Spencer expressing disdain for "archaic" titles.