Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 1, 2025 · Entertainment

A Glimpse into History: Charles Spencer Unveils Rare Photo of Young Princess Diana

Princess Diana 's younger brother has marked what would have been her 64th birthday with a heartfelt tribute to the 'Queen of Hearts'

Princess Diana's Brother Unleashes Emotional Tribute on Her 64th Birthday

It's been over two decades since the world said goodbye to Princess Diana, but her memory still holds a special place in our hearts. And as we mark what would have been her 64th birthday, her brother Earl Charles Spencer has taken us on a trip down memory lane with an emotional tribute that's left royal fans swooning.

On Tuesday, Earl Charles shared a never-before-seen photograph of Diana from her sixth birthday party back in 1967. The black-and-white snap shows the young princess beaming brightly as she takes a camel ride at Althorp House, the sprawling estate of their family home in Northampton.

On Tuesday, Earl Charles Spencer honoured his sister's memory by sharing a previously unseen photograph of the royal that was taken on the occasion of her sixth birthday on July 1, 1967

Captioned "Another July 1st from long ago...", Earl Charles reminisced about his sister's special day, revealing that their father, the late Earl John Spencer, had hired Bert the Camel from Peterborough Zoo to make it an unforgettable celebration. The photo shows Diana's father proudly standing beside her, flashing a warm smile as she gazes up at him with adoration.

The post quickly went viral on Instagram, flooding with heartfelt messages and tributes from fans around the world. "Happy birthday our precious queen of hearts," one commentator wrote. "Your soft voice, your unconditional love for people, your grace and elegance is why we will never forget you."

Another fan echoed, "A cherished memory. Your tribute at Althorp helps her live on for all of us." Meanwhile, a third commenter lamented, "She is absolutely dearly missed... What an inspiration she was and it's unbelievable how much more and more young people relate to her and love her."

The black-and-white snap posted on Instagram showed Diana enjoying a camel ride at her birthday party organised at the family's sprawling estate, Althorp House, in Northampton

A Sibling's Lament

In recent years, Earl Charles has opened up about the devastating impact of his sister's passing on his life. In a candid interview with ITV's Loose Men earlier this year, he shared his experiences with "sibling grief," describing the loss as an "amputation." He recalled how, even after all these years, he would still think to pick up the phone and call his sister.

"It's such an amputation," Earl Charles reflected. "You grow up with these people, they are your flesh and blood, they're with you forever – and then they're gone."

Earl Charles Spencer shared the sweet family picture, which featured his father, Earl John Spencer, his second wife, Raine Spencer who was stepmother to his children, as well as Princess Diana, her sisters Jane and Sarah, and Charles himself. Pictured: previously unseen photograph

A Life of Love and Duty

As we celebrate Diana's life, it's hard not to be reminded of her brother's own experiences growing up in the Spencer family. Born in 1964, Earl Charles was just two years younger than his sister when she tragically passed away.

In a separate post shared last month, Earl Charles shared another vintage photo from their childhood days, showcasing the entire Spencer clan gathered at Althorp House around the time of their father's birthday in January 1989. The snapshot features Diana's mother Raine Spencer, as well as her sisters Jane and Sarah, all beaming brightly as they stand at the base of the grand staircase.

Diana with her sons, Prince William (left) and Prince Harry, at the VE Day commemorations in London in May 1995

Captioned "Trying to remember what this rather formal family photograph was for...", Earl Charles reminisced about the good old days when his family would gather together to celebrate special occasions. He noted wistfully, "Those huge candelabra are no longer on the staircase, and the Saloon's walls are now white."

A Legacy that Lives On

As we mark Diana's 64th birthday, it's clear that her brother Earl Charles is still deeply affected by her passing. But in sharing these heartfelt tributes with us, he's reminding us all of the enduring power of love, loyalty, and memory.

Diana, Princess of Wales, with Prince William (centre), and Prince Harry, on Holiday In Necker Island In The Caribbean, on April 11, 1990

In a world where celebrity culture often prioritizes sensationalism over substance, Princess Diana's legacy continues to inspire and uplift us. And as we look back on her life, we're reminded that even in death, she remains an integral part of our collective consciousness – a beacon of hope and compassion that shines brightly across generations.

So here's to Earl Charles Spencer, for sharing his family's treasured memories with the world. Here's to Princess Diana, whose memory continues to captivate us all. And here's to the enduring power of love and legacy, which transcends time and space to touch our hearts forevermore.