Princess Diana’s Brother Unveils a Secret He Kept for over 40 Years

The younger brother of the late and great Princess Diana has revealed shocking news about what happened to him when he was a child attending boarding school. Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer’s tragic secret that he kept hidden for a long time comes around the same time he shared other childhood memories with the public.

Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer speaking at ChinaWeek's Business Summit VIP Dinner in Los Angeles, California on May 11, 2016 | Source: Getty Images

Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer speaking at ChinaWeek’s Business Summit VIP Dinner in Los Angeles, California on May 11, 2016 | Source: Getty Images

In a revelation that has sent shockwaves across public spheres, Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer and brother to the late Princess Diana has unearthed a secret that lay buried for more than four decades. The British nobleman—now 59—embarked on a journey of painful introspection which culminated in the release of his memoir, “A Very Private School,” where he confronts the dark shadows of his past.

At the core of Charles’s memoir is a childhood marred by profound trauma. “I was doing a 10-day course of very deep introspection and therapy,” Charles disclosed to a media outlet.

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He then went on to reveal, “My therapist said to each of us, ‘Whisper to me one secret you’d never told anyone.’ I whispered to him that I was sexually abused as a child by an adult. And I remember him looking so shocked, and he had heard it all. Afterward, he took me aside and said, ‘This is very serious stuff.” This admission marked the beginning of a long-overdue confrontation with his past.

Charles’s years at Maidwell Hall—an elite English boarding school—were characterized by a culture of brutality and abuse, hidden behind the veneer of privilege and education. The author stated that it was through meeting with former classmates and hearing their equally horrendous accounts of abuse that compelled him to revisit his own trauma.

He recounted the harrowing experiences of fellow pupils, including one who was made to feel worthless and was sexually assaulted multiple times at a very tender age. “I […] said, ‘This is too terrible — I can’t tell this story.’ He reached across, grabbed my arm and said, ‘Somebody has to do it – it’s got to be you.’ That convinced me, the truth needed to be shared with the world,” stated Charles.

His encounters with abuse and corporal punishment at the school form a chilling narrative of his early years. However, as a juxtaposition to the haunting and traumatic experiences, Charles also fondly reflected on the bond he shared with his sister before she passed away.

“She was the closest person to me growing up […] we went everywhere together. We did everything together […] She was an absolutely lovely older sister […] We were allies,” said Charles.

Before the nightmares of boarding school began, the siblings experienced a joyful childhood at Park House. Charles recently took to his Instagram account to share cherished childhood memorabilia (bedroom door nameplates from their family home) which evoked memories of a happier time.

Fans were moved by these tokens with comments reflecting a deep sense of nostalgia and admiration for Princess Diana’s enduring legacy. “Even then Diana was England’s Rose ❤️,” wrote one fan, while another expressed“This is so deep.” Someone else simply gushed, “Beautiful 😍.”

Other fans recounted their own memories of having similar door name plates in their homes, citing “Children of a certain age all had these. Memories,” “My mum had one on our downstairs guest loo: it said, ‘Our Country Seat.’ Wish I’d kept it, always made me smile!” and “At least one of my children had a nameplate just like that on their bedroom door at home!”

In addition to the photo, Charles also shed light on Princess Diana’s protective nature over him, especially after their mother left their family house. On this, Charles mentioned, “Diana looked after me because she was nearly three years older than me. She said that the worst part was hearing me cry down the hall because she was terrified of the dark and couldn’t come to me.”

Their close relationship also endured the trials of royal life when Princess Diana got married. Charles had strived to keep her grounded amid her newfound fame.

Looking back at the tragic death of his sister, Charles previously spoke out about the perilous media attention Princess Diana faced, drawing parallels with the scrutiny faced by modern royals, like Kate Middleton. He reflected on the aftermath of her death as a moment that forced the paparazzi to reckon with their actions, not out of morality, but due to public backlash.

Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer and Princess Diana at the Birthright Red Ball in London, England on November 21, 1985 | Source: Getty Images

Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer and Princess Diana at the Birthright Red Ball in London, England on November 21, 1985 | Source: Getty Images

Princess Diana posing for a picture on her wedding day in London, England on July 29, 1981 | Source: Getty Images

Princess Diana posing for a picture on her wedding day in London, England on July 29, 1981 | Source: Getty Images

This reflection ties back to his personal vendetta against human injustice, a sentiment fueled by his own traumatic experiences at school. Charles’s revelations serve not only as a cathartic release but also as a beacon of hope for those facing similar battles. Through his memoir and public discourse, he underscores the importance of confronting one’s past, no matter how painful, and the possibility of healing and redemption.

Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer at a private viewing of "Vogue 100: A Century of Style" in London, England on February 9, 2016 | Source: Getty Images

Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer at a private viewing of “Vogue 100: A Century of Style” in London, England on February 9, 2016 | Source: Getty Images

As the world reflects on Charles’s courage and the indelible legacy of Princess Diana, it is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

As previously reported on January 22, 2024, Charles shared a rare throwback photo of Princess Diana and their mother which prompted a flurry of comments from fans who were amazed by the resemblance shared between the late mom and her daughter.

Recently, the son of Lord and Lady Althorp, Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, shared never-seen-before family pictures of his late sister, Princess Diana, and late mother, Frances Shand Kydd. The post showed a baby Princess Diana being lovingly cradled by their mom.

Charles’ caption detailed that his post was a tribute to what would have been Frances’ 88th birthday. As soon as the public became privy to the photos, many were stunned by how much the late Princess of Wales looked like her mother.

Princess Diana and Frances Shand Kydd at Viscount and Viscountess Althorp's wedding in Great Brington, England on September 16, 1989 | Source: Getty Images

Princess Diana and Frances Shand Kydd at Viscount and Viscountess Althorp’s wedding in Great Brington, England on September 16, 1989 | Source: Getty Images

One person noted“Wow, Diana looks like her mum & I see Charlotte resembles her as well.” Another complimented“She was very beautiful. Diana [looked so] much like her.”

Similarly, another Instagrammer said“Beautiful…🔥❤️ and Princess Diana looks like her.” Someone else swooned“Awww 🥰 baby Diana 💕.”

Frances Shand Kydd and Princess Diana at the Men's Singles Wimbledon Tennis Final on July 04, 1993 | Source: Getty Images

Frances Shand Kydd and Princess Diana at the Men’s Singles Wimbledon Tennis Final on July 04, 1993 | Source: Getty Images

Princess Diana’s brother’s post comes five years after he gave an exclusive interview in which he opened up about losing his sister. Charles spoke about sobbing on a plane from London to Cape Town when he learned about his sister’s tragic demise.

Charles Spencer and Princess Diana posing for a picture in 1968. | Source: Getty Images

Charles Spencer and Princess Diana posing for a picture in 1968. | Source: Getty Images

After being comforted by an air stewardess, Charles recalled how he thought to himself that he needed to be strong so he could deal with the proceedings following her death. On this, he disclosed: “The first thing that needed to be done was to find somebody to write and deliver the eulogy.”

Charles Spencer at the premiere of "Dancing at the Vatican" in London, England on February 5, 2020 | Source: Getty Images

Charles Spencer at the premiere of “Dancing at the Vatican” in London, England on February 5, 2020 | Source: Getty Images

Although he had a book filled with names of people to choose from, Charles said that after reaching the book’s end, he didn’t feel that anyone listed was the right fit. He then said: “I had this awful feeling that it’s gonna have to be me.”

Initially, the grieving older brother put the task off for a few days until he found the will to write the eulogy one very early Wednesday morning, between Princess Diana’s death and her funeral. The eulogy, which Charles said came flowing out naturally, took approximately an hour and a half to construct.

Charles Spencer at the BBC America BAFTA Los Angeles TV Tea Party in Beverly Hills, California on September 16, 2017 | Source: Getty Images

Charles Spencer at the BBC America BAFTA Los Angeles TV Tea Party in Beverly Hills, California on September 16, 2017 | Source: Getty Images

Some other details presented by Charles in his interview included the fact that he had actually read his eulogy to Princess Diana as she lay in her coffin, and he said that somehow he could feel a positive energy radiating from her. He took this as some sort of confirmation that she approved of what he was going to say.

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