Lady Diana: Rare painting of her mother uncovered and the resemblance is striking

Lady Diana Portrait Earl Charles Spencer Royal Family
© Tim Graham / GETTY IMAGES
Lady Diana Portrait Earl Charles Spencer Royal Family
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Though we tend to focus on the resemblance between Lady Diana and her children or grandchildren, this new portrait shows that the genes run deep.

Lady Diana passed away in 1997 and her aura is still present today. Whether she is brought up by her sons or by the press, the late Princess still fascinates.

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Because of that fascination around her, people tend to look for signs of her everywhere. Numerous articles have been written about how Princess Charlotte and Princess Lilibet look like her.

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On 18 October 2023, Earl Charles Spencer, Lady Diana’s brother, took to Instagram to share a rare painting of his mother. The resemblance with Lady Diana is manifest.

A rare painting found in an attic

In his Instagram post Earl Charles Spencer wrote:

We’ve just found this lovely portrait of my mother, under boxes in the @althorphouse attics. It dates from the mid-1950s, when my mother was around 20 years old. I’d never seen it before, and didn’t know it existed. Amazing what we keep finding up there….
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The portrait is absolutely gorgeous and shows Lady Diana’s mother in a demure yet daring way. Her gaze is directly pointed at the viewer, unafraid and secure. However, her look is soft and unchallenging. It radiates poise.

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Lady Diana's Mother Portrait Earl Chales Spencer
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All of this is reminiscent of Lady Diana’s first years as Princess of Wales. Looking at the painting it is difficult not to recall Diana’s famous moment at the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1981 when she fell asleep while newly pregnant. Before she fell asleep, Diana watched with interest in a manner that she clearly inherited from her mother.

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Lady Diana Victoria and Albert Museum 1981 timeneverlieschico on Instagram
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Althorp House, an intriguing property

The painting was uncovered at Althorp House. This may not mean much to you but Althorp is also where Lady Diana is buried. Her burial site is off limits to the public and is at the center of a pond.

This property, which Earl Charles Spencer looks after, is rarely open to the public. For instance, in August 2023, it was only open for 10 days. This residence has been owned by the Spencer family for more than 500 years. It is a Grade 1 listed building.

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This property is a real piece of History which goes far beyond Lady Diana and her mother. We do wonder what other secrets the house will continue to unveil.

Read more:

Princess Diana's uncanny resemblance to her mother seen in rare painting

Princess Diana’s brother shares rare intimate childhood photo

Princess Diana's most loved possession finally found after 40 years and it's going on sale

Sources:

Hello!: Princess Diana's brother Charles Spencer stuns with newly-unearthed picture of late mother

Town and Country: Princess Diana's Childhood Home Althorp Is Open to Visitors This Summer

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