Princess
Diana:
The Early Years
Birth and Heritage
...another
girl! They had hoped for a boy - an heir to the Spencer title. Instead they got Diana.
Diana Frances Spencer was born at Park House, Sandringham in Norfolk, England on 1 July 1961. She was the youngest daughter of John Spencer, Viscount Althorp (later the 8th Earl Spencer) and his first wife Frances Spencer, Viscountess Althorp. She was the fourth child born to her parents, with older sisters Sarah and Jane, although an infant brother had died a year before she was born. The family would a few years later welcome younger brother, Charles, who would become heir to the Spencer titles and estates.
The Spencers had been close to the British Royal Family for centuries, rising in royal favour during the 1600s. Diana's maternal grandmother, Ruth, Lady Fermoy, was a long-time friend and a lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Her father had served as an equerry to King George VI and to Queen Elizabeth II.
Diana grew up in Park House, practically next door to the Queen. Park House is right next to the Royals' Sandringham estate. The Spencer children were therefore no strangers to the princes. Closer in age to Diana than Prince Charles, Prince Andrew was her childhood playmate.
Highlights:
- born July 1, 1961 in Norfolk, England
- Father: John Spencer (Viscount Althorp; later 8th Earl Spencer)
- Mother: Hon. Frances Spencer (later Frances Shand Kydd)
- Older sisters: Sarah (born 1955), Jane (born 1957)
- Younger brother: Charles (born 1964)
Recommended Books
Parents'
Divorce