Queen Elizabeth’s First Words on Princess Diana’s Death Revealed as "What is she up to now?"

A newly published biography has shed light on a moment of profound shock and perhaps a degree of disbelief within the British Royal Family upon hearing the initial news of Princess Diana’s tragic death. According to Charles Spencer, Diana’s younger brother, Queen Elizabeth II’s first reaction to the news of the Princess’s car crash in Paris was one of weary exasperation, a sentiment that preceded the full understanding of the accident’s devastating severity. This revelation comes from Spencer’s memoir, "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister," offering a poignant and, for some, startling glimpse into the immediate aftermath of an event that captivated and devastated the world.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of August 31, 1997, sent shockwaves across the globe. Princess Diana, then 36, was travelling in a car with her companion Dodi Fayed and their driver, Henri Paul, through the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris when their vehicle crashed at high speed. The initial reports, filtering back to Buckingham Palace, were fragmented and uncertain. It was in this nascent stage of information dissemination that Queen Elizabeth reportedly uttered the words, "What is she up to now?" Spencer, who was instrumental in the arrangements following Diana’s death and a vocal advocate for her memory, details this remark in his book, suggesting it reflected a weariness with Diana’s often unconventional and headline-grabbing life, rather than a callous disregard for her safety.

The Immediate Aftermath: A Royal Misunderstanding

Charles Spencer recounts the Queen’s initial query in his memoir, obtained exclusively by OK! Magazine. He states, "When the queen had heard the first news of Diana’s being in a traffic accident, she had asked tetchily, ‘What is she up to now?’ This, before the seriousness of it all became clear." This phrasing, "tetchily," implies a tone of impatience or irritation, a reaction understandable in the context of a royal figure whose life was frequently characterized by public scrutiny and, at times, perceived drama. However, it stands in stark contrast to the profound grief and outpouring of public sorrow that would soon engulf the nation and the world.

The revelation underscores the complex and often strained relationship between Princess Diana and the wider Royal Family, particularly after her divorce from Prince Charles in 1996. While Diana remained immensely popular with the public, her relationship with the "Firm," as the Royal Family is informally known, had become increasingly difficult. The divorce itself was a public spectacle, and the terms, including the removal of her HRH (Her Royal Highness) title, were seen by many as a further attempt to distance her from the institution she had once been poised to lead.

The Princess’s Final Resting Place: A Point of Contention

Beyond the initial reaction to her death, the biography also reveals a disagreement regarding Princess Diana’s final resting place. According to Charles Spencer, Queen Elizabeth had expressed a desire for Diana’s coffin to be interred in the royal burial ground at Frogmore, located near Windsor Castle. This site is traditionally reserved for members of the Royal Family, a fitting tribute to someone who had been a Princess of Wales and the mother of the future king.

However, the Spencer family ultimately overruled this suggestion. Charles Spencer states that his family was "determined that Diana must come home to Althorp. We knew she would have wanted to do so." Althorp, the Spencer ancestral estate in Northamptonshire, was Diana’s childhood home and held deep personal significance for her. Furthermore, Spencer points out a significant detail: "having had her HRH title removed as part of the package of humiliation handed to her at her divorce, almost a year to the day before her death, Diana was no longer eligible for royal Frogmore." This highlights the practical implications of her divorced status, even in death, and the Spencer family’s commitment to honoring Diana’s wishes and her connection to her roots. Princess Diana was eventually laid to rest on the island on the estate at Althorp.

Context of the Event: A World in Mourning

The car crash that claimed Princess Diana’s life occurred at approximately 12:23 AM local time on August 31, 1997. The Mercedes-Benz S280, reportedly travelling at speeds estimated to be well over 60 mph (96 km/h) in a 30 mph (48 km/h) zone, collided with a pillar in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel. Investigations later pointed to a combination of factors, including the driver’s intoxication and speed, as well as the pursuit by paparazzi on motorcycles.

Diana, along with Dodi Fayed and Henri Paul, was pronounced dead at the scene or shortly after arriving at the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital. Trevor Rees-Jones, Diana’s bodyguard, was the sole survivor of the crash, sustaining severe injuries.

The news of Diana’s death spread rapidly, igniting an unprecedented outpouring of public grief. Millions of people across the United Kingdom and around the world mourned the loss of a figure who had become a global icon. Her funeral, held on September 6, 1997, was a televised event watched by an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide, making it one of the most-watched television broadcasts in history. The sheer volume of floral tributes left outside Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace was staggering, symbolizing the deep emotional connection the public felt with the Princess.

Supporting Data and Timeline: A Nation’s Grief Unfolds

• August 31, 1997, 00:23 AM: The car carrying Princess Diana, Dodi Fayed, and Henri Paul crashes in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris.
• August 31, 1997, Early Morning: Initial fragmented reports of the accident reach Buckingham Palace. Queen Elizabeth II reportedly makes her initial comment.
• August 31, 1997, Morning: Princess Diana is officially declared dead. The news begins to break globally.
• August 31, 1997, Throughout the Day: Public reaction intensifies. Floral tributes begin to accumulate outside Kensington Palace.
• September 1, 1997: The Royal Family issues an official statement of grief, acknowledging the "enormous public reaction."
• September 2, 1997: The Queen, in a televised address to the nation, pays tribute to Diana, acknowledging her "exceptional" qualities and the "vast number of people who have been inspired by her." This marked a significant moment, as the monarch typically maintained a more reserved public persona.
• September 6, 1997: Princess Diana’s funeral takes place. An estimated 2.5 billion people watch worldwide. Her coffin is transported from Kensington Palace to Westminster Abbey and then to Althorp.
• August 2023: Charles Spencer’s memoir, "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister," is published, revealing the Queen’s initial reaction.

The public’s reaction was, in many ways, a testament to Diana’s unique ability to connect with people on a human level. Her work with charities, her advocacy for landmine victims, and her open discussions about her own struggles resonated deeply. The scale of the mourning often led to comparisons with the national grief experienced after the death of Queen Victoria.

Broader Impact and Implications: A Shifting Royal Landscape

The revelation of Queen Elizabeth’s initial words, while potentially jarring, also prompts a broader analysis of the complex dynamics at play. It highlights the generational and institutional differences in how grief and public image were perceived within the monarchy. For a monarch who had spent decades embodying stoicism and duty, the immediate reaction might have been rooted in a lifetime of protocol and a certain detachment from the more flamboyant aspects of modern celebrity.

Princess Diana’s death, and the subsequent public response, undeniably had a profound impact on the British monarchy. It forced a period of introspection and, some argue, modernization. The Royal Family’s initial perceived reticence in acknowledging the depth of public feeling was widely criticized, leading to increased pressure on the Queen and other senior royals to engage more directly with the national mood. The Queen’s televised address was a pivotal moment, demonstrating a recognition of the profound connection Diana had forged with the public and a willingness to adapt.

The controversy surrounding Diana’s burial site also underscores the enduring legacy of her divorce and the complex relationship she had with the institution she was once set to be a part of. By choosing Althorp, the Spencer family asserted Diana’s individual identity and her right to be remembered on her own terms, away from the strictures of royal tradition.

Charles Spencer’s memoir, by bringing these details to light, contributes to a continuing historical narrative surrounding Princess Diana and her relationship with the Royal Family. It offers a more nuanced understanding of the individuals involved during a period of immense national and international upheaval, reminding us that even in the face of tragedy, human reactions can be multifaceted and deeply personal. The enduring fascination with Princess Diana and the events surrounding her life and death continue to shape public perception and historical interpretation.