Earl Spencer breaks down as Diana memoir earns major honour

Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, has shared an emotional reaction after his latest book about his late sister received a major recognition in the audiobook industry.

The 9th Earl Spencer took to Instagram to celebrate the exciting news, revealing that his audiobook, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, has been selected as one of the 20 Best of the Year 2026 by Audible.

Sharing a screenshot of the announcement, Spencer expressed his gratitude to the audiobook platform and reflected on the experience of recording the deeply personal memoir.

“Thank you very much, @audible, for kindly choosing my reading of SWAN SONG as one of your ‘20 Best of the Year 2026’,” he wrote.

The author also recalled recording the audiobook secretly at a London studio during the summer. According to Spencer, the recording process lasted three days, and he felt satisfied with the final result.

He explained that completing the recording left him with a strong sense of fulfilment, as he believed he had expressed everything he wanted to communicate through the book.

Audible’s annual selection celebrates outstanding audiobooks, highlighting memorable performances and titles that have captured the attention of both editors and listeners. Spencer’s recognition places his personal account of Diana’s life among the platform’s notable audiobook releases of the year.

Swan Song: Diana, My Sister is a memoir in which Spencer reflects on the life of his younger sister, Princess Diana, offering a personal perspective on the woman who became one of the most recognised figures in the British royal family.

Diana became the Princess of Wales after marrying King Charles III, who was then the heir to the British throne. Their marriage brought her worldwide attention, making her one of the most photographed and widely discussed royal figures of her generation.

The memoir was released in the United Kingdom on September 22, 2026, ahead of the 30th anniversary of Diana’s death in August 2027.

The upcoming anniversary is expected to bring renewed attention to the late princess’s life, legacy and enduring influence.

The book is also set to be translated into 12 languages, allowing readers around the world to explore Spencer’s personal memories and reflections about his sister.

The latest recognition marks another significant moment for Spencer’s memoir, which offers readers an intimate look at Princess Diana’s life through the eyes of someone who knew her long before she became a global icon.