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Earl Charles Spencer's Memoir Reveals Controversy Over Princess Diana's 1984 Chignon

publication · 2026-09-23

Earl Charles Spencer has released a memoir titled Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, spanning 348 pages and delving into the life of his sister, Diana, Princess of Wales. Launched earlier this week, the book highlights Diana's significant impact on global beauty and fashion. Spencer recalls the 1984 State Opening of Parliament, where Diana captivated onlookers in a striking white gown with balloon sleeves and the Spencer Tiara, previously worn at her wedding. Her hairstylist, Richard Dalton, crafted a chignon for her. As she emerged from her carriage, the crowd gasped in admiration, leading to headlines the following day that eclipsed Queen Elizabeth II's speech on legislative matters. Spencer notes that this attention prompted Diana to adopt simpler hairstyles for events with the Queen. Despite this, her legacy in beauty, including the famous Lady Diana cut, endures. Spencer, however, was not present at the 1984 ceremony, where Queen Elizabeth II donned a white gown, an 18-foot red velvet cape, and the Imperial State Crown.

Key facts

  • Earl Charles Spencer released a 348-page memoir titled Swan Song: Diana, My Sister about Princess Diana.
  • The book was published earlier this week.
  • At the 1984 State Opening of Parliament, Diana wore a white gown with mid-length balloon sleeves and the Spencer Tiara.
  • Her hairstylist Richard Dalton styled her hair into a chignon, a bun pinned at the nape of the neck.
  • Spencer writes that the public gasped in admiration when Diana arrived at Parliament.
  • The next day's headlines focused on Diana's hairstyle, overshadowing Queen Elizabeth II's address to Parliament.
  • Diana was told off for the attention and subsequently wore her hair more simply at events attended by the Queen.
  • Queen Elizabeth II wore a white gown, an 18-foot red velvet ceremonial cape, and the Imperial State Crown to the event.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Parliament
  • Government

Locations

  • United Kingdom

Sources

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