Rare childhood photo of Princess Diana resurfaces with poignant 5-word memory


Earl Charles Spencer has shared a throwback photo of himself and his late sister, Princess Diana when they were children


Princess Diana in a red jacket with a bob© Getty Images
Rachel Avery
Rachel AveryHomes Editor
1 hour ago
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From iconic fashion look through to sweet moments alongside her darling boys, Prince William and Prince Harry, Princess Diana lives on via the plethora of photos and videos shared online. On Tuesday, her brother, Earl Charles Spencer, shared a never-before-seen photograph of himself alongside his sister during their childhood. 

Charles shared the snap to his 312,000 Instagram followers, and it showed him on a swing and Diana hanging athletically off the frame next to him. He captioned it: "Summer moment, 60 years ago."

young earl spencer and lady diana
The childhood photo was shared online

Diana's adoring fans were quick to comment, leaving love hearts and tearful emojis in the comments section. One penned: "Lovely photo!!! Princess Diana will always be remembered for her timeless fashion, kindness, and incredible humanitarian [work]. Her legacy lives on," and another added: "Precious. I so wish she was still with us." A third wrote: "Lovely image of you both."

Paying tribute to Princess Diana

lake with trees and blue skies
The Earl shared a new look at Diana's grave

Charles often shares images of his late sister, keen to keep her memory alive. He's also made his ancestral home, Althorp into a tourist attraction with tributes to the late former Princess of Wales. Diana was laid to rest on the Oval Lake within the grounds, and while visitors are forbidden from taking a boat to the island, they can pay their respects at the temple on the mainland that's dedicated to Diana. Fans often leave flowers and letters outside when they come to visit. 

Althorp is only open for two months of the year - July and August - and tickets are on sale now. This season, there's been a change to the offering with the addition of exclusive tours.

He spent part of his childhood growing up at Althorp, the Spencer family seat where Princess Diana spent her childhood© WireImage
Althorp, the Spencer family seat where Princess Diana spent her childhood

This is a rare opportunity to be expertly guided through the exquisite property by one of the House Guides, which happens once a day and is limited to 20 guests. Following the extensive look around, guests will then enjoy a delicious Champagne afternoon tea. Tickets cost £146.38 in total for the special experience. 

Prince Harry to visit Althorp?

prince harry thumbs up© Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publis
Prince Harry is back in the UK

It is possible that Prince Harry could be paying a visit to the property while he is over in the UK. The Grade-II listed home is going to be closed on the 10 and 11 July, which is perfect timing for Harry being in town. It wouldn't be the first time that he has revisited his mother's resting place. He used the property as a base when he was back in 2024 for his uncle Lord Robert Fellowes' funeral and he has previously brought Meghan Markle to visit Diana's grave.

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