Charles Spencer Shares Rare Childhood Photo of Princess Diana—and Fans Can’t Get Over Her Striking Resemblance to Princess Charlotte

We rarely see photos of the late Princess Diana as a child. But thanks to her younger brother, Charles Spencer, who loves sharing throwback pics of his family on the interweb, royally-obsessed fans were recently treated to a rare childhood photo on Instagram of the former Princess of Wales.

The grainy throwback posted on the British author’s personal account shows the 9th Earl Spencer, who looks no older than ten years old, sitting on a park swing with his late mother, Frances Shand Kydd, standing behind him. 

Meanwhile, Princess Di is mischievously smiling at the camera while sporting a short-sleeved shirt, shorts and flip-flops. The former Princess of Wales is rocking a bob with short bangs.

In the caption, Spencer shared the story behind the photo, writing, “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.”

The history buff went on to reveal the cheeky nickname he was given as a child: ‘Buzz’—because “she saw me as having the endless energy of a rather happy—and busy—bee.” How sweet. 

In the comments section, one royal admirer marveled at the striking resemblance between Princess Diana and her granddaughter, Princess Charlotte, writing, “You can really see Princess Charlotte in Diana in this photo!!” Another fan chimed in and said, “Charlotte looks just like Diana here. Same face! Wow!”