Charles Spencer’s book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, has shattered records to become the fastest-selling hardback non-fiction title in the UK this year, selling 102,668 copies during its opening week on sale.
The intimate portrait of Princess Diana, written from her brother’s perspective, now sits at number one across the entire book market.
Nielsen confirmed the achievement, stating: “In its publication week, Swan Song has already become the bestselling non-fiction print book in the UK for 2026 so far.”
The remarkable first-week figures also place it among the highest-selling books of any genre in Britain this year.
Charles Spencer’s book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, has shattered records to become the fastest-selling hardback non-fiction title in the UK this year, selling 102,668 copies during its opening week on sale
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The book hit shelves on September 22 and was released simultaneously in 13 languages, drawing significant attention from media and readers worldwide.
Its audio edition has proved equally popular, climbing to the top spot on both the Audible and Apple charts.
The strong reader response reflects an enduring public fascination with Diana’s life and the legacy she left behind.
The exceptional hardback sales arrived amid intense global interest, with the publication generating widespread coverage well before its release date.
Earl Charles Spencer’s book, titled Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, went on sale on September 22 | PENGUIN
Earl Spencer’s deeply personal account has clearly struck a chord, with both print and digital formats performing at the highest level.
He expressed his wish that the book would resonate with those who remember Diana fondly, as well as younger generations discovering her for the first time.
“I hope this book will be of interest to the many who still cherish the memory of Diana when she was alive, and I would be delighted if those too young to remember her in her heyday feel after reading this that they ‘get’ who she really was: a one-off, dynamic character, full of love, charisma and self-doubt, who gave life a hell of a go, and left the world a far better place, despite exiting the stage while still so young,” he said.
Daniel Bunyard, publisher at Penguin Michael Joseph, a division of Penguin Random House, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be Charles Spencer’s publisher and to have brought Swan Song to the wide audience it deserves.
Earl Spencer spoke to the BBC from his Althorp estate in Northamptonshire | BBC
“When he set out to share this candid, thoughtful and beautifully written tribute to his sister, we knew readers would be fascinated to read it.
“To have reached this milestone within its first week on sale is testament to this wonderful book and the huge affection the nation still holds for Diana.”
The 9th Earl Spencer is a historian and author of nine books, among them four Sunday Times bestsellers.
His first memoir, A Very Private School, reached number one on the Sunday Times bestseller list and was critically acclaimed.