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Charles Spencer mourns death of much-loved family member

Charles Spencer is the younger brother of Princess Diana


charles spencer
Gemma Strong
Online Digital News Director
On 13 April 2023
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Charles Spencer is mourning the death of a beloved member of his family.

The 58-year-old took to social media to share three snapshots featuring his Aunt Mary as he shared his loss with his supportive followers.

Mary was the older sister of Charles's mother, Frances. Frances herself passed away at the age of 68 in 2004, some seven years after the death of her daughter, Princess Diana.

Charles's mother Frances Shand Kydd, seen with her daughter Princess Diana, died in 2004© Princess Diana Archive
Charles's mother Frances Shand Kydd, seen with her daughter Princess Diana, died in 2004

Charles first shared a black and white photo taken on the occasion of Mary's christening. He followed it up with solo snapshots of Mary, as a younger woman and more recently.

He wrote in the caption: "It was my Aunt Mary’s funeral yesterday. My mother's older sister is seen here first as a baby, at her Christening, 89 years ago: her father (my maternal grandfather, Maurice Fermoy) stands to the left, with his American mother (née Frances Work) next to him. My grandmother Ruth is the second adult from the right, wearing white gloves. Mary is being held by her nanny - Nanny Chisholme.

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"A glamorous shot comes second, from the '50s, then one from just a few years back, when she came to speak (and sparkle) at the Althorp Literary Festival.

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"Aunt Mary was many things - a free spirit; an intellectual; an adventurer; and, above all, an enormously fun inspiration to all generations of her family. Her children and grandchildren all paid moving tribute to her at yesterday's service.

princess diana and charles spencer as children at althrop house© PA Images
Charles as a child with sister Diana

"Aunt Mary's endless love of life is summed up by her declaration, the day before she died, that she was going to get on with writing her memoirs. It would have been a fascinating tale. I'm immensely proud to have been one of her nephews."

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Fans immediately reached out to Charles to send their condolences. One wrote: "She looks to have been a delightful person with a wonderful sense of humour, indeed. My deepest condolences to you and your family. May she Rest In Peace."

A second told him: "Nephews are always special to aunts. My condolences." And a third said: "Sorry to see this Charles. She looks to have been a wonderful woman x."

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