A cherished childhood photo of Princess Diana, shared by her brother, Charles Spencer, uncovers a remarkable likeness to Princess Charlotte, stirring memories and comparisons among royal followers. The image—a testament to familial bonds and generational echoes—highlights the deep connections within the royal lineage.
In a heartfelt tribute to the past, Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, unveiled a previously unseen snapshot that has captivated the attention of royal enthusiasts. The black and white photograph—a touching memento taken circa 1967—was shared on Instagram last month, prompting people to draw comparisons between Princess Diana and her granddaughter, Princess Charlotte.
The image, which features a young Charles on a swing with Princess Diana beside him and their mother, Frances Shand Kydd—who sadly passed away in 2004 after a prolonged illness—behind them, epitomizes a moment of pure, familial bliss.
Charles’s caption, reminiscing about the days when he was affectionately nicknamed “Buzz” by their late mother, underscores the joy captured in this timeless photograph. This photo has sparked a flurry of reactions from the public, with many noting the striking resemblance between Princess Diana and Princess Charlotte.
Princess Charlotte at the Wimbledon 2023 men’s final in London, England on July 16, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Princess Charlotte at the Wimbledon 2023 men’s final in London, England on July 16, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
“Princess Charlotte is the spitting image of Lady Diana. The memory of your wonderful sister lives on,” commented one fan while another stated, “Princess Charlotte looks like Princess Diana 🖤.”
Princess Charlotte at the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in London, England on May 6, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Princess Charlotte at the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in London, England on May 6, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The comparisons continued with others expressing, “Wow I see Princess Charlotte in her grandmother here… ❤️,” “Looks like Princess Charlotte!!” and “You can really see Princess Charlotte in Diana in this photo!!” However, despite the consensus, divergent views emerged as well, as seen in one observer’s remark, “Princess Charlotte doesn’t look a thing like Diana […] She looks just like her majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.”
Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Louis, Princess Catherine and Princess Charlotte during Trooping The Colour in London, England on June 2, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Louis, Princess Catherine and Princess Charlotte during Trooping The Colour in London, England on June 2, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
More than having looks in common, it would appear as though Princess Charlotte, like her late great-grandmother, shares the late Queen’s resilience and tenacity.
A media outlet reported that the young Princess and her two brothers, Prince George and Prince Louis, have been a beacon of strength and support for their mother, Princess Catherine, amid her battle with cancer.
The young royal has also been particularly protective over her younger brother Prince Louis, according to Sophie Mirman, founder of a British childrenswear company. This nurturing instinct mirrors that of Princess Charlotte’s late grandmother, who was similarly protective over her younger brother.
Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte at the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in London, England on May 6, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte at the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in London, England on May 6, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Years ago, Charles, who is married to Karen Spencer, Countess Spencer, revealed his late sister’s desire to protect him, and spoke about how she looked after him when he was a baby and at school recounting, “The first day I was there […] Diana […] came to my classroom and came back and said to the headmistress ‘He’s fine!’ and sat down.”
From Charles’ childhood recollections to his nostalgic photograph and the similar personalities shared between past and present royals—the enduring spirit of Princess Diana remains a central thread. Her legacy, mirrored in the faces and actions of her descendants, continues to resonate among public spheres.
Princess Diana photographed in Argentina on November 24, 1995 | Source: Getty Images
Princess Diana photographed in Argentina on November 24, 1995 | Source: Getty Images
While many memories shared by Charles Spencer paint a picture of happiness, familial warmth, and closeness, he has also courageously revealed darker stories from his childhood like when he recently opened up about his harrowing experiences of abuse as a child, which he kept hidden for a long time.