King Charles can never let Diana's memory go: She's unforgettable

King Charles knows better than anyone that Princess Diana is unforgettable, even her grace, compassion and spirit still linger in the hearts of all those who once had the chance to meet her.

Decades may have passed, but her legacy remains as fresh as ever, even for those who only know her through stories, series and books.

She's a timeless memory that the King can never erase. Former royal aides believe the late Princess of Wales' sweet moments still haunt the British monarch.

Charles Spencer's claims about the British monarch's reaction to her death have triggered a fresh debate, with many seeing his allegations as a momentary frustration, while others have publicly rallied to the King's defense as part of a growing fightback against the explosive portrayal of William and Harry's father.

Some of Diana's fans say it would be an injustice to the charming Princess, who breathed new life into the monarchy with her people-friendly nature and iconic sense of style. She still rules some of her fans hearts.

Grant Harrold, who served as Charles' butler for almost 8 years, is among those who have challenged allegations in Spencer's "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister," including the claim that the then-Prince of Wales sounded "giddily elated" following Diana's death at age 36 in Paris in 1997.

It won't be wrong to say that she is that rare personality who still speaks in her admirers' dreams.

Grant isn't the only former member of staff who feels strongly about what has been written by Spencer. There are people who served Charles at different stages of his life who simply don't recognise the man Spencer describes.

Some outlets, citing insiders, claim, "It's about developing into a PR fightback because Spencer's allegations are extraordinarily damaging."

Undoubtedly, the Palace cannot respond to every passage in a memoir, whereas former employees can provide personal recollections that challenge this image of Charles as cold or indifferent toward Diana.

This does not mean Spencer fabricated the facts. It simply reveals that his account isn't the only version people have heard.

Charles may have been jealous of her fame, but he knows she still tugs at the heartstrings of her countless fans and admirers — many of whom once dreamed of having just a moment with her.

Spencer, 62, alleges Charles told him "we'll forget her soon enough" during an angry telephone conversation concerning Diana's funeral.

Harrold, however, said that Charles's behaviour while he worked for him suggested Diana remained in his thoughts.

He said: "The King used to go up to Scotland on the anniversary of Diana's death, staying at Birkhall," adding: "He used to go out for a long walk in the afternoon, which I always believed was his time to reflect and remember Diana in private. She was very much on his mind every year on the anniversary."

In some of the royal homes, Diana still feels alive, through her belongings and sweet memories, like photographs and treasured trinkets.

A palce spokesman also confirmed: "While we do not comment on books as a matter of principle, His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss."

The question remains: why would the King have done this, if not to keep her memory alive?

Whatever, spencer's memoir has renewed scrutiny of King Charles and Princess Diana's marriage.