Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 4, 2025 · Entertainment

Diana's Nephew Silent on Eliza's Engagement Amid Family Rift Rumors

Princess Diana 's brother, Charles Spencer, has remained silent on his daughter's engagement amid a rumoured family rift

Royal Family Rift: Charles Spencer Stays Mum on Eliza's Engagement Amidst Whispers of a Troubled Relationship

The usually effusive Earl Spencer has kept mum on his daughter Eliza's engagement, sparking rumors of a deep-seated family rift. While his other daughters have publicly celebrated the union with their new partners, Charles has remained curiously silent on social media.

Eliza, 33, a model and first cousin of Prince William and Prince Harry, took to Instagram on July 31 to share the exciting news of her engagement to tech executive Channing Millerd. The couple's romantic holiday in Santorini was filled with all the trappings of a fairytale, including a stunning sunset proposal and a lavish pear-shaped diamond ring.

Lady Eliza Spencer has revealed her engagement to Channing Millerd in a sweet Instagram post (pictured together)

But amidst all the joy and celebration, Charles's absence from his daughter's announcement has raised eyebrows. His Instagram page, which usually shares insights into his life at Althorp House, remained eerily quiet on the matter. While he did post about his book, "A Very Private School," on Monday morning, there was no mention of Eliza or her fiancé.

This isn't the first time Charles has stayed mum on one of his daughters' engagements. In 2023, Amelia tied the knot with Greg Mallett in South Africa, but he seemed noticeably absent from the milestone event. His only comment on the matter was a post about a bird watching him in Althorp's garden, sparking rumors that the family dynamic is more complicated than meets the eye.

A source close to the family told The Scholarly Note: "Charles and Eliza were always very close, but their relationship has cooled off significantly since his marriage to Karen. He's been distant from his daughters, and it seems like he's not as invested in their lives as he used to be."

The happy couple appeared to capture the heartwarming moment Channing got down on one knee on camera

But what's behind Charles's reluctance to publicly acknowledge his daughter's engagement? Is it a sign of a deeper family rift or simply a case of absent-mindedness?

The Spencer Family Drama Unfolds

Charles's marriage to Karen has been a subject of interest among royal watchers, with some speculating that the union may have strained his relationships with his daughters. His divorce from Karen last year sparked rumors that he was moving on to archaeologist Cat Jarman.

The tech executive popped the question to Princess Diana's niece in a stunning setting in Santorini

Meanwhile, Eliza and Amelia's mother, Victoria Aitken, seems to be keeping a low profile amidst all the drama. While she did attend Kitty's wedding in 2021, her absence from recent family events has raised questions about her role in the Spencer household.

Lady Kitty's Wedding: A Family Affair?

Kitty's wedding to retail millionaire Michael Lewis in July 2021 was a lavish affair, with Charles's brother Louis walking Kitty down the aisle. But what caught everyone's attention was Charles's conspicuous absence from the proceedings. While he did share a post about a bird watching him in Althorp's garden on X/Twitter, there was no mention of his daughter's special day.

Charles skipped daughter Amelia Spencer's 2023 wedding to Greg Mallett in South Africa

A source close to the family told The Scholarly Note: "Kitty and Charles were very close when she was growing up, but their relationship has cooled off significantly since his marriage to Karen. He's been distant from his daughters, and it seems like he's not as invested in their lives as he used to be."

A Royal Family Tangled Web

As the Spencer family continues to navigate their complex relationships, another member of the royal family is celebrating a special union. Lord Ivar Mountbatten, King Charles's cousin, announced the engagement of his eldest daughter Ella Mountbatten to Fergus Allways Wright on social media.

He was also notably absent when his eldest daughter Lady Kitty (above) married retail millionaire Michael Lewis in July 2021

Ella, 29, will become a stepmother to Channing's son from a previous relationship, Nate, who her fiancé has dubbed "my perfect boy" on Instagram. Meanwhile, another member of the royal family, Tatiana Mountbatten, welcomed her second child earlier this year in April – a baby boy named Auberon, or Albie for short.

The Aristocratic Elite and Their Lovers

As the Spencer family continues to grapple with their relationships, another member of the aristocracy is making headlines. Brand partnership manager Ella was all smiles as she proudly displayed her emerald and diamond-encrusted engagement ring while standing next to her fiancé, who works as an insurance executive.

The happy news follows the announcement that Ivar's niece, Lady Tatiana Mountbatten, welcomed her second child earlier this year in April. The 34-year-old equestrian and psychotherapist took to Instagram to reveal she'd had a baby boy – and shared his unique and meaningful name.

As the aristocratic elite navigate their complex relationships, one thing is clear: love and family are at the forefront of their lives. But amidst all the joy and celebration, there's always room for a little bit of drama and intrigue.

Eliza and her husband-to-be (pictured at a 2022 party in London) met at a dinner party in South Africa through Channing's brother

Eliza's twin sister Amelia took to the comment section to congratulate the couple, writing, 'The best news ever'

Pictured: Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza Spencer at The Serpentine Gallery Summer Party in London in June

Pictured: Lady Eliza Spencer, Louis Spencer, and Victoria Aitken at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Eliza's sisters rushed to congratulate their sister on her engagement (pictured from L to R: Lady Eliza Spencer, Lady Kitty Spencer and Lady Amelia Spencer in London last year)

Pictured from L to R: Channing Millerd, Lady Eliza Spencer, Lady Amelia Spencer and Greg Mallett at Royal Ascot in 2022