Princess Diana’s Brother Charles Spencer Posts Rare Pic of Their Grandfather—and the Family Resemblance Is Eerily Strong

Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, is taking another walk down memory lane. 

This week, the 59-year-old historian shared a childhood photo on Instagram, featuring himself posing with his paternal grandpa, Albert (also known as “Jack”).

Spencer shares a striking resemblance to his grandfather, including his round face and cheeky smile. In the caption, he explained the significance of the photo. “Childhood visits to @althorphouse—where my grandparents lived, till I was 11—were slightly forbidding affairs,” he wrote. 

Spencer also shared details about their visits to Althorp House, adding, “My father would drive us across on the 2 1/2 hour trek from our home in Norfolk, then we’d have to be on our best behaviour for our grandfather, Jack Spencer (seen here)—he could be quite frosty.”

“My father told me that, because of my grandfather’s reputation, people tended to be nervous around him,” he continued. “But apparently once, as a small boy, I instinctively reached out and held my grandfather’s hand. And he started crying—he wasn’t used to such gestures of pure affection, and it took him by surprise and moved him…”

Spencer concluded, “Anyway, I’m glad he looks like he seems to be enjoying my company here a little, and it’s good to see him smiling.”