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Charles Spencer, although briefly depicted in the royal historical drama “The Crown,” played a far more substantial role in the aftermath of Princess Diana’s tragic passing than the series portrayed. Born in 1964, he held significant familial ties, being the elder son of the Spencer family after the loss of their first son, John, who passed away at birth. Diana, his sister, later became the Princess of Wales, born three years prior to Charles.
Their upbringing took place on the grand Althorp estate, a sprawling 13,000 square feet stately home in West Northamptonshire. The Spencers, renowned for their aristocratic lineage, counted prominent figures like Prime Minister Winston Churchill among their ranks. Diana’s marriage to Prince Charles further intertwined the family with royalty, bestowing upon her the title of Princess of Wales.
The connection between the Spencer and royal families spanned generations, with notable instances like Queen Elizabeth II serving as Charles Spencer’s godmother. This association led to a unique twist of fate when Prince Charles first encountered Lady Diana in 1977, during his courtship of Diana’s sister, Sarah Spencer, thus initiating their future relationship.
As an adult, Charles pursued a career in journalism, achieving success as a reporter for NBC News in the U.S. during the 1980s, followed by work for Granada Television in the U.K. in the early 1990s. Additionally, he contributed numerous book reviews to various British newspapers. Upon his father’s passing in 1992, Charles assumed the title of 9th Earl Spencer.
Charles Spencer has always emphasized the closeness he shared with his sister, forged through shared childhood experiences of their parents’ divorce and their mother’s sudden departure, which bonded them for life.
Following Diana’s tragic demise in a car accident in Paris in 1997, Charles played a pivotal role during her funeral procession, walking alongside Diana’s sons, Princes Harry and William, and Prince Charles. His eulogy at the service stirred controversy, perceived by many as a critique of the royal family’s treatment of Diana and the media’s role in her life.
Despite its significance, Spencer’s poignant speech did not find its way into “The Crown.” Executive Producer Suzanne Mackie explained this omission, citing concerns about intruding into private moments. However, Mackie expressed admiration for Spencer’s speech, acknowledging its emotional impact.
In the series’ fifth season, Charles Spencer’s involvement becomes more pronounced, particularly in the episode “No Woman’s Land,” which delves into journalist Martin Bashir’s controversial methods in securing a BBC Panorama interview with Diana. The episode showcases how Bashir deceived Spencer, presenting forged documents and misleading information that granted him access to Diana.
Spencer, alongside Princes William and Harry, condemned the interview, highlighting its role in compromising Diana’s security, ultimately contributing to her tragic passing in 1997. Following an investigation in 2022 that uncovered Bashir’s deceitful tactics, Spencer voiced feeling “groomed” by Bashir, recounting how he was deceived with falsified bank statements and false narratives to access information about his late sister.
Presently residing at the Althorp estate, where Diana rests on a private island, Spencer continues to uphold his family’s legacy. He has seven children, including Lady Charlotte Diana Spencer, named in honor of her late aunt.