Princess Diana Family Tree: The Story Behind the People's Princess

Diana Frances Spencer (1961–1997), born 1 July 1961 at Park House, Sandringham, Norfolk, England, and died 31 August 1997 in Paris, France, was the Princess of Wales (1981–1996), first wife of Charles III and mother of William, Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.

The Family's Roots: The Spencer Family of Althorp

The Spencer family is English aristocratic, holding the Althorp estate in Northamptonshire since 1508; ennobled as Earls Spencer in 1765.

Her Parents

Father: John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer (1924–1992) — Viscount Althorp at Diana's birth; succeeded as Earl in 1975.

Mother: Frances Roche Shand Kydd (1936–2004) — homemaker; divorced John in 1969.

Her Siblings

Lady Sarah McCorquodale, born 19 March 1955 — eldest sister.

Lady Jane Fellowes, born 11 February 1957 — sister.

John Spencer (1960–1960) — brother who died in infancy.

Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, born 20 May 1964 — Diana's younger brother; succeeded as 9th Earl.

Her Ex-Husband: King Charles III

Charles III (b. 14 November 1948) — King of UK. Married Diana on 29 July 1981 at St Paul's Cathedral; separated 1992; divorced 28 August 1996.

Her Sons

Prince William, Prince of Wales, born 21 June 1982 — heir apparent to the British throne.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, born 15 September 1984.

The Spencer Family Tree at a Glance

Father: John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer (1924–1992).

Mother: Frances Roche Shand Kydd (1936–2004).

Siblings: Lady Sarah (b. 19 March 1955); Lady Jane (b. 11 February 1957); John (1960–1960); Charles, 9th Earl Spencer (b. 20 May 1964).

Ex-Husband: King Charles III (b. 14 November 1948; m. 29 July 1981, div. 28 August 1996).

Sons: Prince William, Prince of Wales (b. 21 June 1982); Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (b. 15 September 1984).

Grandchildren (through William): Prince George (b. 22 July 2013); Princess Charlotte (b. 2 May 2015); Prince Louis (b. 23 April 2018).

Grandchildren (through Harry): Prince Archie (b. 6 May 2019); Princess Lilibet (b. 4 June 2021).

Diana:

  • Born 1 July 1961, Park House, Sandringham
  • Riddlesworth Hall, Norfolk; West Heath, Kent; finishing school in Switzerland
  • Kindergarten assistant at Young England School, London — before marriage
  • Engagement to Prince Charles: 24 February 1981
  • Wedding: 29 July 1981, St Paul's Cathedral — global TV audience of 750 million
  • HIV/AIDS, landmines, and homelessness humanitarian work
  • Separated from Charles: 9 December 1992; divorced 28 August 1996
  • Died: 31 August 1997, Pont de l'Alma tunnel, Paris — car accident with Dodi Fayed; age 36

What the Spencer Family Story Teaches Us

An Earl Spencer father. A homemaker mother whose first marriage ended in 1969. Four siblings, including a brother who died in infancy. A 15-year marriage to a future king that ended in divorce. Two sons who became Prince of Wales and Duke of Sussex. A career as the world's most-photographed humanitarian princess that ended at 36 in Paris.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Diana story carries the same lesson. Some lives end too early but reshape monarchy forever.

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