A Rare Glimpse: Earl Spencer Unveils Unseen Family Photo of Princess Diana
PRINCESS DIANA'S LOST MOMENT: Earl Charles Spencer Unveils Rare Family Photo of Late Royal
It's been over two decades since Princess Diana's tragic passing, but her family continues to cherish memories of the beloved royal. In a touching tribute, Earl Charles Spencer has shared a previously unseen photograph of his late sister, Princess Diana, with their parents and siblings at Althorp House in Northampton.
The sweet family picture, taken in 1989, features Earl John Spencer, Princess Diana's father, surrounded by his wife Raine, and their children - Princess Diana, Jane, Sarah, and Charles. The photo showcases the Spencer family's loving bond, with everyone beaming with smiles as they stand at the foot of the stairs in Althorp House.
In a caption accompanying the post on thescholarlynote.com, Earl Charles, 60, reminisced about the family gathering, which likely coincided with his father's 65th birthday. He wrote: "Trying to remember what this rather formal family photograph was for... Perhaps it was something to do with my father's 65th birthday in January 1989? Definitely an '80s air to it all..."
The post quickly racked up over 12,000 likes from fans of Princess Diana, the former wife of King Charles, who tragically died on August 31, 1997. The outpouring of love and support is a testament to the enduring legacy of Princess Diana, whose death still sends shockwaves through the royal family.
Just last month, relatives of Princess Diana paid tribute to her during Mental Health Awareness week, sharing their own stories and memories of the beloved royal. Earl Charles's post serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of her passing on those closest to her.
In a recent appearance on ITV's Loose Men, Earl Charles opened up about his "sibling grief" following Princess Diana's untimely death at 36. He described losing his sister as an "amputation," saying: "You grow up with these people, they're your flesh and blood... and then they're gone."
Earl Charles reflected on how he would still think to pick up the phone and call his sister years after her passing, revealing their shared sense of humor. He recalled: "For years after Diana died, I would think, 'I must ring her and tell her something,' because we shared the same sense of humour... You just realize, of course, that's not going to happen."
The Earl also shared his experiences as a sibling, saying: "I don't share my childhood with anyone anymore. That's a great loss that you can never really put right." He spoke candidly about feeling responsible for protecting his sister from the media scrutiny she faced.
Earl Charles's story highlights the complex dynamics within the Spencer family. His parents, Earl John and Raine, had five children between 1955 and 1964 - Lady Sarah McCorquodale (born 1955), Lady Jane Fellowes (born 1957), Princess Diana (born 1961), and the youngest, Earl Charles (born 1964). The family initially rented a home at the royal estate in Sandringham before moving to Althorp House.
When his parents divorced, Earl John took on the responsibility of caring for their two youngest children - Princess Diana and Earl Charles. In an interview with The Sunday Times in 2020, Earl Charles described his father as "quiet and a constant source of love." He recalled: "My father was always there for me... I think that's one reason why I'm so grateful to him."
The Spencer family's history is steeped in tradition and service. Earl John worked as a royal equerry for both King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II, demonstrating the family's strong ties to the monarchy.
Earl Charles's decision to share this rare family photo serves as a poignant tribute to his sister, Princess Diana. As fans continue to mourn her passing, they are reminded of the enduring bond between siblings and the memories that shape their lives forever.