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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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People File • Royalty

Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer

Charles Edward Maurice Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, is a British peer, author, journalist, and broadcaster.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Charles Spencer is best known as the younger brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, and as an author of historical non-fiction. He is also the custodian of the Spencer family estate at Althorp.

Early life and family

Charles Spencer was born on 20 May 1964 as the youngest son of John Spencer and Frances Shand Kydd. He is the younger brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, and the maternal uncle of Prince William and Prince Harry. He succeeded his father as the 9th Earl Spencer in 1992.

Career and books

Spencer has worked as an author, journalist, and broadcaster, including for NBC News. His non-fiction books often focus on British history and include bestsellers such as *Blenheim: Battle for Europe*, *Killers of the King*, and *The White Ship*. His 2024 memoir *A Very Private School* also drew public attention.

Althorp and public role

As custodian of Althorp, the Spencer family seat in Northamptonshire, Spencer manages the estate and its heritage. He is also remembered for his eloquent speech at Diana’s funeral in 1997, and he has continued to defend her legacy and privacy in public life.

In short

  • Younger brother of Diana, Princess of Wales
  • Author of historical bestsellers including *Blenheim* and *Killers of the King*
  • Custodian of the Spencer family estate at Althorp
  • Also worked as a journalist and broadcaster
Canadian angle

Charles Spencer is of interest to Canadian readers mainly through the global public profile of Diana, Princess of Wales, and the wider British royal family.

Quick questions

Who is Charles Spencer?
Charles Spencer is a British peer, author, journalist, and broadcaster. He is the 9th Earl Spencer and the younger brother of Diana, Princess of Wales.
What is Charles Spencer known for?
He is best known as Princess Diana’s brother and as an author of historical non-fiction books. He is also known for his public role as custodian of Althorp.
Is Charles Spencer related to Princess Diana?
Yes. He is Diana, Princess of Wales’s younger brother.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Spencer,_9th_Earl_Spencer
    Supports: Birth date, title, family relationship to Diana, and general biographical overview.
  2. People — https://people.com/all-about-charles-spencer-princess-diana-brother-8621088
    Supports: Family relationship to Diana, birth date, author profile, and books written.
  3. Amazon — https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001IZRAGI
    Supports: Author biography, occupation, and list of books.
  4. Classic Chicago Magazine — https://classicchicagomagazine.com/charles-spencer/
    Supports: Althorp association, education, and historical writing career.
  5. Kruger Cowne — https://krugercowne.com/talent/charles-spencer/
    Supports: Residence at Althorp and overview of his roles as writer and broadcaster.