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Princess Diana's brother Charles Spencer reveals 'best' gift from the Queen

The Earl was one of Queen Elizabeth II's godchildren


Charles Spencer attends the ICAP charity day at ICAP on December 9, 2015 in London
Diane Shipley
Senior Online Writer
On 26 July 2023
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Even before his sister, the late Diana, Princess of Wales married now-King Charles, Charles Spencer shared a special connection with the royal family. 

Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast Rabbit Hole Detectives on Wednesday, the father-of-seven shared that the late Queen Elizabeth II was his godmother – and excellent at giving gifts

WATCH: Inside the lavish dinner party hosted in Earl Spencer's Althorp House State Dining Room

As part of a discussion about Westminster Abbey, the Earl revealed: "I'm reluctant to say this because it sounds like a massive boast but it's nothing to do with me but I was actually christened in Westminster Abbey. 

"Not because of me or my family, but because the Queen was kind enough to stand as one of my godparents and it was convenient for her." 

Queen Elizabeth II wearing a blue coat dress © Getty
The late Queen was a thoughtful gift-giver

"So did you get a birthday card from the Queen?" his co-host Richard Coles enquired. 

Charles responded: "Yes, and the best present ever got from her was when I was at boarding school and it was quite a tough boarding school. I got from her a very small radio that looked like a book, so I could sneak into my dormitory and listen to under my pillow, to radio Luxembourg."

Charles Spencer and Karen Spencer at Ascot© Getty
Charles with his wife Karen

 The bestselling author also shared that the present was labelled: "To Charles, from his godmother Elizabeth R." 

"What an amazing, thoughtful present," Richard replied, and their fellow presenter Cat Jarman agreed, adding: "That's great". The trio have had reason to celebrate recently, with the exciting news that their podcast has been nominated for an award

LOOK: Charles Spencer's wife Karen shares magical Althorp House transformation on Princess Diana's birthday

MORE: Charles Spencer's 'terrible' discovery about royal relative revealed

On Tuesday, the Earl took to social media to share his delight that the podcast had been nominated at the British Podcast Awards in the New Podcast category. "How very lovely!" he enthused. 

Charles Spencer with nephew Prince Harry© Rex
Charles with his nephew, Prince Harry

"I'm as thrilled as I am surprised that The Rabbit Hole Detectives has been nominated for this award. Thank you, judges…" His followers were quick to react as they offered him their support. 

Charles with the royals at Princess Diana's funeral© Getty
Charles with the royals at Princess Diana's funeral

One penned: "Well I'm not surprised. I just love it. How very lovely to hear you all each week. Everything beautifully told with the underlying sense of humour. Bravo." 

Charles Spencer showing tourists around Althorp in 1977© Getty
Charles Spencer showing tourists around his family estate Althorp in 1977

On a recent episode, Charles also opened up about acting as a page for the late Queen in the 1970s. 

Detailing his experience, the 59-year-old said: "In the mid-seventies, I was a page of honour to the late Queen and you were really on duty very few times a year, and one of them was at the state opening of Parliament.

An aerial photo of Althorp © Getty
An aerial photo of Althorp

"You're wearing full on 18th-century kit, really hot and the old TV lights in those days were incredibly hot. So the colonel, Colonel Blair Stewart-Wilson I remember, would take us aside before the ceremony and teach us how to get through the shattering heat and not faint.

Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, attends the UK premiere of "Dancing At The Vatican" © Getty
Charles' podcast has been nominated for an award

"It was to do with just gently – because this was all televised, you don't want to draw attention to yourself – while the Queen was speaking, presenting the bill of what's coming up in parliament, you just rocked gently on the front of your feet and it's meant to keep your circulation going… I think it's just disengaging from the extreme discomfort around you." 

Charles Spencer© Getty
Charles has many connections to the royal family

"Ceremony hurts," Richard concluded in response. "Yes, that's about it," Charles laughed.

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