Figure 1.--Here we see the extended Spencer family, featuring prominent members of British aristocracy. This e Golden Wedding of the 7th Earl and Countess of Spencer. The portrait was taken March 1969. We see Lady Anne Wake-Walker, Princess Diana's aunt (second from the left). The 7th Earl Spencer, John Spencer (in the center back, with his wife, Countess Spencer. Frances Roche (to his his right). Lady Diana Spencer/Princess Diana (front row extreme left). The little boy next to her is Diana's youngr brother. Charles Edward Maurice Spencer (1964- ) is now the 9th Earl Spencer. Growing up, Diana often felt protective of her younger brother, keeping a watchful eye on him even during ordinary school days. When Charles started school, Diana asked permission to leave her class to check on him. This early attentiveness was one example of the deep sibling bond. Their childhood, however, was marked by family difficulties.

The English Spencer surname has been noted (since the mid-13th century). TYhis of course means that it was presunably bin use eearlier beffore apperaring in the written record. It was derived from the word 'dispenser' meaning 'steward'. This was a court position. King James I elevated the Spencer family to the English nobility soon after ascending to tyhe Englih throne (1603). From that point n we see many Spence lords, ladies, and earls. The family frequently was seen as moving in royal circles. Georgiana Spencer, Duchess of Devonshire (1757–1806) was known to hve had an influential role advising King George IV, and also developed a friendship with the Queen of France -- Marie Antoinette. Two of the most prominent figures of the 20th century also came from the Spencer family tree: Winston Churchill and Diana, Princess of Wales, the first Spencer to marry directly into the royal family. Here we see the extended Spencer family, featuring prominent members of British aristocracy. The portrait was taken March 1969. We see Lady Anne Wake-Walker, Princess Diana's aunt (second from the left). The 7th Earl Spencer, John Spencer (in the center back, with his wife, Countess Spencer. Frances Roche (to his his right). ady Diana Spencer (front row extreme right). TYhe boy is Diana's youngr brother. Charles Edward Maurice Spencer (1964- ) and is now the 9th Earl Spencer. Growing up, Diana often felt protective of her younger brother, keeping a watchful eye on him even during ordinary school days. When Charles started school, Diana asked permission to leave her class to check on him. This early attentiveness was one example of the deep sibling bond. Their childhood, however, was marked by family difficulties.

Created: 12:29 AM 7/23/2026
Last updated: 12:30 AM 7/23/2026