If the King and palace officials thought Prince Harry’s book Spare was difficult to manage in terms of press, media and reputation, the book from Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, is likely to be even more difficult.

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Perhaps it has less sting because Charles Spencer is not the King’s son. But the late Princess of Wales remains such a significant figure that anything concerning Diana, and the circumstances surrounding her marriage and death, still carries enormous weight.

One thing that particularly interests me in the claims being made now is the suggestion that the Queen and palace officials considered restoring Diana’s HRH title.

I don't know whether that would have been motivated by genuine respect for Diana or whether there was also a sense that it might soften some of what had happened to her after the separation and divorce.

Whenever I see footage of Diana’s funeral, I still find one moment incredibly moving. As the gun carriage carrying Diana’s coffin passed Buckingham Palace, the late Queen Elizabeth bowed her head very deeply and respectfully.

There was something striking about that moment. For those few seconds, there was no barrier between the Royal Family and the princess's remains.

Perhaps that gesture was, in some sense, in lieu of the HRH title. It was certainly an act of respect.

And I think that respect was necessary. Not simply because of what the public........

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