Charles Spencer, brother of the late Princess Diana, has given us a touching view into his family’s history. His original post has gone supernova, sparking a great deal of interest. He recently shared a once-in-a-lifetime shot on Instagram. In it, his grandparents, Cynthia and Albert Spencer, are relaxing over tea at their family estate, Althorp. This poetic snapshot shows their lives in rich, poignant detail. It is a tribute to the astonishing similarity Cynthia shared with her granddaughter, Princess Diana.
Cynthia was the wife of Albert Spencer, 7th Earl Spencer. In 1937, Cynthia was appointed Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. She dedicated over thirty years to royal service and served until her death in 1972. This lengthy incumbency is indicative of her trusted position in the royal household and dedication to service.
Charles Spencer shared on social media a photograph of the couple seated at an ornately-carved wicker table. The table so prettily set with a full-blown tea service. This remarkable black-and-white image fixes a black summer 1940 day of the past. In doing so, it provides a unique and rare glimpse into family life at Althorp. “My grandparents having tea in Althorp’s courtyard – Summer, 1940,” Charles noted in his post.
The Spencer Family Legacy
Mrs Cynthia Spencer Mrs Spencer occupies a unique position in royal history – as maternal grandmother of the late Princess Diana. Her one surviving son, John Spencer, 3rd Earl Spencer, inherited the title and estate. He relocated to Althorp with his five children, including Diana. This burgeoning familial connection has caused many fans to speculate parallels between Diana and her grandmother.
One commenter on Charles’s post expressed this sentiment: “I can see Diana in Cynthia… the Spencer genes run strong!” Indeed, a lot of fans have pointed out this similarity on social media. They are incredibly warm as they reflect on the ways the family’s characteristics have continued down the line.
Even Princess Diana herself had a sense of a closer relationship with her grandmother. In Andrew Morton’s 1992 biography, “Diana: Her True Story,” it is revealed that she felt Cynthia “looks after her in the spirit world.” This faith puts in perspective just how much Cynthia changed the course of her life and legacy.
A Timeless Connection
The expressive charcoal sketch of Cynthia Spencer, done in 1919, shows a striking likeness to Princess Diana. This uncanny likeness underscores their close blood relationship. The sobering parallel has provoked soul searching for a lot of people. They wonder why some features and traits have survived over time within the Spencer family.
Cynthia’s legacy doesn’t stop with her daughter-in-law, but carries on through her great-grandchildren, Prince William and Prince Harry. Their deep ties to Althorp and the principles taught by their late grandmother are a testament to the power of family legacy.
Recent posts from Charles Spencer paid tribute to his grandparents. They speak to his followers about the diverse tapestry of history that binds us all together. As an artist, he embodies the nostalgia and magic found in a time-honored family life. Along the way, he celebrates the legacy of Cynthia Spencer and her inspiration for generations to come.
