Charles Earl Spencer recently unveiled a throwback photo that strikingly showcased the uncanny resemblance between Princess Diana as a child and her granddaughter, Princess Charlotte. Besides her looks, Charlotte has also carried her late grandmother’s legacy since birth.
Charles Earl Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother, recently took to Instagram to share a captivating throwback photo from 1967, stirring hearts and evoking nostalgia.
The image, a snapshot of simpler times, featured a young Earl on the left, a radiant Diana on the right, and their mother, lovingly watching over them from behind, all basking in the joy of an outdoor playground.
Earl reminisced, “My mother, Diana, and I, in c. 1967. I would have been 3, and Diana 5 or 6. I love how happy each of us looks. At this stage of my life, my mother nicknamed me ‘Buzz’ – because she saw me as having the endless energy of a rather happy – and busy – bee.”
The resemblance between Diana in her childhood and her granddaughter, Princess Charlotte, has not gone unnoticed. Earl’s post sent Instagram into a flurry of comments, with many pointing out the striking similarity between the two.
Princess Charlotte pictured at the wedding of Princess Eugenie of York and Jack Brooksbank at St George’s Chapel, 2018, England. | Photo: Getty Images
“Princess Charlotte is the spitting image of Lady Diana. The memory of your wonderful sister lives on,” one user commented, while others echoed, “You can really see Princess Charlotte in Diana in this photo!!” “Wow i see princess Charlotte in her grandmother here [sic],” and “Diana looks just like Charlotte. Great memory!”
Charles Spencer and Princess Diana posing for a picture in 1968. | Source: Getty Images
Princess Charlotte is seen during the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
A young Lady Diana Spencer, circa 1965 | Source: Getty Images
Princess Charlotte during a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey on March 29, 2022, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Charlotte’s name itself is a tribute to her grandmother, having been named Charlotte Elizabeth Diana in 2015. The choice to include Diana in her name was warmly received by Earl, who shared on Twitter, “Perfect names. My 2-year-old Charlotte Diana will be thrilled at cousinly name-sharing. Is at an age where thinks world revolves around her!”
Helen Haslem greeting Princess Charlotte as she arrives for her first day of school, and her parents Kate Middleton and Prince William, at Thomas’s Battersea in London on September 5, 2019, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Princess Charlotte arriving for her first day of school at Thomas’s Battersea in London on September 5, 2019, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Despite her absence, Prince William is determined to keep “Granny Diana’s” memory alive for his children. Through stories and photographs in their home, William ensures that Charlotte and her siblings feel connected to the grandmother they never had the chance to meet.
Prince George of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace following the Platinum Pageant on June 5, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis at Anmer Hall in Norfolk. | Source: Getty Images
“It’s hard,” William admited, given that his wife, Kate Middleton, too, never met Diana. Yet, their efforts to include Diana as an integral part of their family narrative speak volumes about their commitment to her legacy.
Princess Diana and Prince Charles in Spain with Prince Harry and Prince William in 1987. | Source: Getty Images
Princess Diana in Lone with Prince William and Prince Harry in 1995. | Source: Getty Images
Amid these reflections on family and memory, Kate’s recent health concerns have necessitated a temporary step back from public engagements. Recovering at home from planned abdominal surgery, her absence was notably felt at this year’s BAFTA Film Awards.
Prince William, attending solo, candidly shared, “I’m sorry Catherine’s not here. She does love the BAFTAs.” His apology highlighted the unforeseen changes prompted by Kate’s recuperation. The couple’s usual joint appearance at the BAFTAs was notably absent this year, as the Princess’ recovery from recent surgery at their Windsor residence represented a marked departure from their longstanding tradition.
