Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, is the current custodian of the family estate Althorp. Prince Harry paid tribute to his sister on what would have been her 64th birthday, July 1, in a touching post shared on the Invictus Games behalf. This unique tribute to an extraordinary woman revealed a much less-publicized picture of Diana. It looked back on her lasting legacy and the changing nature of her final home at Althorp.
After his father’s death in 1992, Charles Spencer realized his mission to protect Althorp. This splendid Grade I listed stately home is the 18th Century Althorp House, Northamptonshire, England. As the estate’s current steward, he has pursued a multi-million dollar restoration campaign to keep the estate as a testament to the Spencer family legacy. He’s constantly updating the public about the sprawling estate on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. That’s providing his followers a regular update on its storied past and exciting, continued restoration.
Diana died untimely in an automotive accident in 1997, at simply 36 years old. Her older brother Charles Spencer remembered the deep personal connection they each made with her throughout an Instagram feed, remembering the joyful childhood adventures they both lived together. Beyond that, he humanized her as someone who meant a great deal to him personally and perhaps to the world at large.
It was Spencer who revealed the most recent changes around Diana’s final resting place. It rests on a little island in the Round Oval Lake at Althorp. He emphasized his sister’s qualities in his tribute:
“Diana was the very essence of compassion, of duty, of style, of beauty. All over the world she was a symbol of selfless humanity.” – Charles Spencer
Beyond celebrating Diana’s memory, Spencer thought deeply about her life and spirit in this tribute post. And he left us with the wonderful portrait of her, which puts the emphasis on her innate nobility. She may have been classless, but she proved over the past year that she didn’t require a royal handle to work her enchanting artistry. Such feelings resonate with an understanding of the profound love he has for her life and impact.
The Earl has kept a special bond with his nephews, Princes William and Harry. He marched alongside them at Diana’s funeral for a lost royalty. At her funeral in Westminster Abbey, he gave a moving eulogy. His relationship with them is still ongoing, as they all continue to follow their own trajectories dutifully honoring their mother’s spirit.
