Earl Spencer: Diana may have had undiagnosed ADHD
Her brother Earl Charles Spencer suggests Princess Diana displayed symptoms of ADHD and dyslexia.
Trust 42Craft 65Hype 20How this was reported ▾
The central claim is attributed to Earl Spencer, with direct quotes from him, but no other independent sources are cited.
How well corroborated and evidenced the reporting is. Higher is better.
The reporting clearly separates Earl Spencer's claims from any commentary and provides context from his book.
Context, balance and separation of fact from comment. Higher is better.
The headline is direct and the article focuses on the claims made by Earl Spencer without exaggeration.
How far presentation runs ahead of substance. Lower is better.
3 sources assessed · methodology
Earl Charles Spencer has stated that his sister, Princess Diana, may have lived with undiagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He believes that symptoms she displayed, such as emotional sensitivity and challenges in relationships, could be explained by the condition.
Spencer, who was diagnosed with severe ADHD later in life, told People magazine that he recognised similar traits in his sister. He expressed frustration with alternative theories about Diana's emotional responses, stating, "I know it's not those, by the way, but these people throw out these theories. I think it's more humdrum in a way. I think it was ADHD, and rejection for people with ADHD goes very, very deep."
Barnet FC Away Tickets: Prices and Collection Details
Supporters can purchase tickets for the Bristol Rovers fixture with options for delivery or collection.
The Earl also suggested that Princess Diana may have had dyslexia, noting her struggles with spelling and word order. He commented on the educational environment of the time, saying, "Diana was born in 1961, and certainly the private school system in England was not tuned into children's needs as they are today. I think Diana suffered from dyslexia. She found spelling and word orders and letter orders quite tricky."
These assertions are detailed in Earl Spencer's new book, 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister,' which recounts personal memories of their relationship. He links Diana's tendency to abruptly cease contact with individuals to her undiagnosed ADHD. He described this behaviour not as a criticism, but as a recognition of her struggle with an unrecognised condition.
Spencer elaborated on Diana's sensitivity to rejection, stating, "People said, 'Oh, she was paranoid.' No, she wasn't. She was sensitive to rejection, and she felt very let down by people. And because of her ADHD, because of her personality and her character, she felt these things very deeply."
Domino's mocks Tottenham's winless run with stadium advert
Pizza company highlights 32.5 million sales since club's last Premier League victory.
He also reflected on the impact of Diana's public life, noting the immense energy she gave to the public. Earl Spencer observed that many people seemed unaware of the extent of what they were taking from her, which he felt was draining for the Princess.
Questions this report answers
+What conditions does Earl Spencer suggest Princess Diana may have had?
Earl Charles Spencer believes Princess Diana may have had undiagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia. He suggests these conditions could explain her emotional sensitivity and difficulties in relationships, as well as her struggles with spelling and word order.
+Where has Earl Spencer made these claims?
Earl Charles Spencer has made these claims in his new book, titled 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister'. He also discussed these theories in an interview with People magazine, detailing his personal observations and understanding of his sister's experiences.
+How does Earl Spencer link ADHD to Princess Diana's behaviour?
Earl Spencer suggests that Princess Diana's tendency to abruptly cut people out of her life was linked to undiagnosed ADHD. He explained that for individuals with ADHD, rejection can be deeply felt, and this sensitivity may have influenced her reactions when she felt let down by friends.
Barnet Press News Desk
This article was written at the Barnet Press news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
How stories are produced and scoredWho runs Barnet PressCorrections
Barnet conditions
Loading live conditions…