Earl Spencer alleges King Charles is gaslighting him in fresh royal dispute

Earl Spencer, the younger brother of the late Princess Diana, has publicly accused King Charles III of gaslighting him, describing the monarch’s recent remarks as "astonishingly provocative," Sky News reported. The claim marks the latest flare‑up in a long‑running rift between Spencer and the royal household, which has seen both sides exchange pointed statements over the past year.

Spencer’s allegations emerged after a series of media interviews in which he suggested the king had been undermining his reputation. He said Charles had repeatedly twisted facts about family matters, leaving him feeling manipulated and publicly humiliated. "It is a pattern of behaviour that feels like deliberate gas‑lighting," Spencer told reporters, according to Sky News. The duke’s comments come at a time when the monarchy is under intense scrutiny, with public confidence wavering after recent controversies surrounding the royal family’s finances and conduct.

The dispute is rooted in a history that stretches back to the early 1990s, when Spencer’s sister, Diana, famously clashed with the establishment. After Diana’s death in 1997, Spencer has occasionally voiced criticism of how the palace handled her legacy. In 2022, he criticised the decision to name a new wing at Buckingham Palace after the late queen, calling it a “publicity stunt.” These episodes have kept Spencer in the media spotlight, often positioning him as a vocal, if sometimes contentious, member of the extended royal family.

Royal insiders note that such public spats are rare, as the family traditionally prefers to resolve disagreements behind closed doors. When disagreements do surface, they can influence public perception of the monarchy’s unity and relevance. Analysts suggest that Spencer’s accusations could further erode the institution’s already fragile standing, especially among younger Britons who question the relevance of hereditary privilege.

The palace has not issued an official response to Spencer’s latest claims. However, a spokesperson for King Charles previously emphasized the monarch’s commitment to “family cohesion and respect.” Whether this statement will quell the growing tension remains uncertain, as Spencer appears determined to keep his grievances in the public arena.

The episode underscores a broader pattern of internal royal tensions spilling into the media, a trend that continues to challenge the monarchy’s effort to modernise and maintain public trust.