Charles Spencer, the younger brother of the late Princess Diana, is reflecting on the profound and enduring influence his sister still holds nearly three decades after her tragic death.
Appearing on Gyles Brandreth’s Rosebud podcast on October 25, the 9th Earl Spencer spoke candidly about how people — especially women — continue to see reflections of their own experiences in Diana’s life story.
“It’s different things to different people, particularly to women of a similar age. They really invested their lives in hers,” he said.
He explained that Diana’s life, with all its public triumphs and private struggles, remains deeply relatable to many.
“Maybe they had an unhappy marriage, maybe they battled an eating disorder. There’s plenty of Diana to look into and take your bit out of — almost like a horoscope, you can make it make sense for you,” Spencer shared.
Princess Diana’s marriage to King Charles III — from their fairytale wedding in 1981 to their separation in 1992 and eventual divorce in 1996 — was one of the most scrutinized relationships in modern royal history. Yet, despite the pain and pressure she endured, Diana’s compassion, vulnerability, and authenticity made her a beloved global figure.
Spencer also revealed a touching conversation he once had with Downton Abbey creator Lord Julian Fellowes, a close family friend, about Diana’s unique emotional resonance.
“He said, ‘Like the great film stars, there was something unhappy in there that really triggered an emotional response,’” Spencer recalled.
That depth of emotion, Spencer added, was part of what made his sister’s legacy timeless — a blend of grace, empathy, and humanity that continues to move people today.
Meanwhile, Prince William has also spoken about the lessons he learned from his parents’ turbulent marriage. In a recent appearance on Eugene Levy’s The Reluctant Traveler, the Prince of Wales emphasized the importance of providing his own children — Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 — with a stable and loving environment.
“Starting the children off now with a happy, healthy, stable home is so important. Otherwise, you’re setting them up for a hard time and a fall,” William reflected.
Now 44 and a devoted father, William shared that he consciously strives to avoid repeating the same mistakes from his own upbringing.
“You take that and you learn from it and you try to make sure you don’t make the same mistakes as your parents,” he added.
Princess Diana’s spirit clearly lives on — not only through her enduring public influence but also through the compassion, empathy, and love her sons continue to embody.
