ComScore

Charles Spencer Honors Late Mother on IG—& She Looks So Much Like Her Daughter Princess Diana

Strong genes run in the Spencer Family

charles spencer 2
Dave Benett/Getty Images for Charles Sabine

I'm always fascinated by Charles Spencer's historical throwbacks on Instagram, whether it's a vintage snap of his grandfather or childhood photos with his siblings. And now, once again, the 9th Earl Spencer has grabbed my attention with his latest addition: a glamorous pic of his mother, Frances Shand Kydd.

To mark the 20th anniversary of Kydd's death, the 60-year-old historian and podcaster shared a rare black-and-white throwback of his late mother during the '60s, and I couldn't help but notice her striking resemblance to Spencer's sister, Princess Diana.

Spencer captioned the post, "Remembering my mother, who died 20 years ago today, aged 68. She had a wretched final few years, health-wise, and I prefer to think of her in happier times; here, looking rather glam, in the '60s."

In the pic, Kydd is donning a headscarf and wearing what appears to be a striped dress. But her features—particularly her eyes—are so similar to Diana's that, had she been sporting the late princess's signature short hairstyle, she could pass for her doppelgänger.

In case you need more proof, here's another rare throwback of Charles and Diana's mom, which the historian discovered in 2023.

On Instagram, he wrote, "We’ve just found this lovely portrait of my mother, under boxes in the @althorphouse attics. It dates from the mid-1950s, when my mother was around 20 years old. I’d never seen it before, and didn’t know it existed. Amazing what we keep finding up there."

The detailed sketch shows Kydd wearing a flattering dress with a pleated bodice and a gorgeous necklace. Also, her short curls are reminiscent of Princess Diana's signature 'do.

princess di
Anwar Hussein/WireImage

One fan commented, “I see so much of your sister in her, what a treasure to find this!” Another added, “I can see your sister in her eyes. Beautiful.”

Clearly, strong genes run in the Spencer family.

Stay up-to-date on every breaking royal family story by subscribing here.



nakeisha campbell bio

Associate Editor, News and Entertainment

  • Writes celebrity news, TV/movie reviews and SEO-focused entertainment articles
  • Interviews celebrities and covers red carpet events
  • Has 8+ years of experience covering entertainment topics

news
/ Clara Stein
Reese Witherspoon Posts 9-Word Anxiety Hack on IG and It's Honestly Genius
news
/ Rachel Bowie
Princess Eugenie’s Unique Engagement Ring Was on Full Display at Recent Outing—Here’s Why It Reminds Us of Princess Diana’s
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Kensington Palace Posts Pensive Photo of Prince William in Deep Thought
news
/ Danielle Long
This New Medical Drama Just Got Renewed for Season 2—Here's Why It’s a Must-Watch for Mystery Lovers
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Royal News Roundup: Prince William’s Mysterious Portrait, New Royal Baby Photos & More
news
/ Rachel Bowie
Wait, Did Princess Beatrice Just Share More Baby Pics of Athena? We Spotted 2 Hidden Snaps
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Duchess Sophie Stuns in Lavender Suit for a Royal Cause That Has Ties to Meghan and Harry
news
/ Danielle Long
Serena Williams Just Dropped Her ‘Ins & Outs’ List for 2025—And One ‘Out’ Has Fans Spiraling
news
/ Danielle Long
This Hollywood Icon Is Joining 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 5—and Fans Are Freaking Out
news
/ Danielle Long
New Royal Birthday Portrait! Sweden’s Little Prince Is His Dad’s Mini-Me
news
/ Danielle Long
Martha Stewart’s Posts Controversial Sandwich Recipe on IG and Leaves Fans Baffled
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Prince William Has an Exciting New Role (& Prince George Has Some Hilarious Advice)
news
/ Danielle Long
Sofia Vergara Posts Gorgeous AGT Snap (& I'm Getting Serious '90s Vibes)
news
/ Greta Heggeness
King Charles’s Body Language Speaks Volumes in New Photo With Queen Camilla
news
/ Danielle Long
Jenna Ortega’s Glass Dress Is as Dazzling—And Dangerous—As It Looks
news
/ Clara Stein
I Think I Just Figured Out Reese's Book Club's April Pick (& You're Going to Want a Copy)
See More