Queen Elizabeth II reaction to Princess Diana’s death questioned

Queen Elizabeth II kept mum over Princess Diana’s death due to grandsons

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Published September 28, 2026
Queen Elizabeth II reaction to Princess Diana’s death questioned

Queen Elizabeth II was called out for her shocking reaction to Princess Diana‘s death.

Her Majesty, who kept mum until five days after the former Prince of Wales is passing, was judged over her emotions as she stayed in Scotland.

In new book Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, Earl Spencer said: "The Queen had done this to help William and Harry process the initial shock of grief with her in private.”

He said: “But front pages demanded she assume a figurehead role in the nation's mourning.”

Meanwhile, author Gyles Brandreth reveals why Buckingham Palace flaw was not lowered upon Diana’s death.

In book Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait, he wrote: “The flagpole at Buckingham Palace was bare because flags are only flown over a royal residence when the sovereign is in residence.”

“The Queen was hurt and angered by the criticism—and she was not often given to anger,” Brandreth wrote. “She felt it showed a lack of understanding of history and tradition.”

"It was a short and clever speech that I was sure would satisfy the majority," he wrote, adding, "I knew that Diana would have been proud to be praised by the Queen so generously."

Eleen Bukhari
Eleen Bukhari is a London-based journalist and MSc graduate from Brunel University with over five years of experience. Specialising in the British Royal Family and global entertainment, she provides expert analysis of monarchy traditions, celebrity culture, and the evolving media narratives surrounding the world’s most high-profile figures.
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