Princess Diana’s brother Charles Spencer shares family grave photo for first time

The Earl is commemorating the 500th anniversary of the death of his late ancestor, Sir John Spencer, who was a politician and was knighted in his lifetime

Princess Diana’s brother Charles Spencer has taken a private look at his family grave.

The Earl is commemorating the 500th anniversary of the death of his late ancestor, Sir John Spencer, who was a politician and was knighted in his lifetime.

Charles shared a look inside his private tomb, where a stone figure rested with hands folded in a gesture of prayer.

It was located near a stained glass window and was adorned with several crosses over the arms and shoulders.

In a post on Instagram, Charles wrote: “The grave of my ancestor Sir John Spencer – who died exactly 500 years ago today, April 14th 1522.

“He bought the farmland around Althorp and then built @althorphouse in 1508. A businessman, sheep farmer, sheriff and politician, he was knighted by Henry VIII in 1519.”

Fans were moved by the post, writing: “Where is this grave located? Its details are impressive. I would like to see his face. He would have missed the Reformation period. He would be proud to know that his home is still there in great hands.”

A second added: “You are so lucky to be able to track down your ancestors! That’s all. I wish I could do it.”

A third said: “I can’t get over how beautifully detailed and well cared for the tomb is. It is in exceptional condition. I would love to see other photos of this from other angles.”

“This is amazing and beautiful. Love his praying hands,” noted a fourth.

And a fifth commented: “How interesting to be able to know so much about your ancestor. Wouldn’t he be amazed to see it today and meet you and hear from the modern day Spencers!’

Earlier this year, Charles shared a stunning 19th-century black-and-white photo of the 550-acre property and revealed that an old wing of the building no longer exists.

In his caption he explained: “In the 19th century Althorp briefly had a billiard room/additional library – the additional wing can be seen to the left of this photograph.”

Fans were quick to suggest why the billiard room and extra library had been removed.

One asked, “Why was the wing removed? Was it just for the sake of symmetry, or was there some other reason for its brevity in existence?”

A second asked: “What happened to it?” and a third asked, “What happened to the extra wing?”