Princess Diana, born Diana Frances Spencer on 1 July 1912, was the fourth of five children born to John Spencer, Viscount Althorp, and Frances Roche. She belonged to a close-knit, albeit privately complex, sibling group that grew up at Althorp in Northamptonshire. In birth order from oldest to youngest, Diana’s siblings were Sarah McCorquodale, Jane Fellowes, Charles Spencer (9th Earl Spencer), and Andrew Spencer. Each sibling has built a distinct public or semi-public life while navigating longstanding ties to the Spencer legacy, royal circles, and ongoing family responsibilities.
Sarah McCorquodale (born 1955)
Birth and early life
Sarah Spencer was born on 16 March 1955, making her Diana’s oldest sibling. She grew up at Althorp and attended local schools before marrying theatre producer Neil McCorquodale in 1980. Sarah and Neil have three children: Tom, Nora, and Billy. She has largely maintained a private life but has appeared alongside Diana at family and public events, including the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana in 1981.
Relationship with Diana
Sarah has described their childhood as protective of one another, with Diana often looking up to her older sister. In adulthood, Sarah has spoken publicly about the trauma of Diana’s death and the importance of family solidarity in its aftermath. She has participated in memorial services and curated memories of Diana in ways that align with the family’s cautious approach to publicity.
Jane Fellowes (born 1957)
Birth and early life
Jane Spencer was born on 5 February 1957. She married Sir Timothy Fellowes, a diplomat, and they have three children: Eliza, Flora, and Arthur. Jane is known for a notably low public profile, emphasizing family privacy over media engagement.
Relationship with Diana
Jane and Diana remained close confidantes through adulthood. As the only sibling with daughters near Diana’s sons William and Harry, she played an important aunt role. Jane attended major royal events, including the 1999 wedding of Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones, reinforcing steady familial bonds separate from media scrutiny.
Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer (born 1964)
Birth and early life
Charles Spencer was born on 20 May 1964, the younger brother of Diana. He grew up aware of the expectations tied to the Spencer name and attended Eton and Oxford. Charles has built a career as a writer and broadcaster, publishing memoirs that reflect on class, loss, and the responsibilities of aristocracy.
Relationship with Diana
Charles and Diana were close in childhood and adulthood. He delivered a heartfelt eulogy at her funeral in 1997, emphasizing her compassion and the intense public scrutiny she endured. As Earl Spencer, he has since taken on stewardship of Althorp and spoken about preserving the estate as a family sanctuary.
Andrew Spencer (born 1969)
Birth and early life
Andrew Spencer, born on 13 June 1969, is Diana’s youngest sibling. He has largely stayed out of the public eye, pursuing private business interests and maintaining a low profile compared to his more visible siblings.
Relationship with Diana
Andrew was a toddler when Diana rose to global fame, and their relationship remained familial and steady. He attended her wedding and that of Charles and Camilla in later years, showing continued support without seeking media attention.
At a Glance: Diana’s Siblings in Birth Order
The table below summarizes key attributes of Diana’s siblings, confirming birth order, notable roles, and relationship dynamics.
| Sibling | Birth Year | Common Name & Role | Children | Public Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sarah McCorquodale | 1955 | Oldest sister, family anchor | Tom, Nora, Billy | Low to moderate, occasional public appearances |
| Jane Fellowes | 1957 | Aunt to William and Harry, diplomat’s wife | Eliza, Flora, Arthur | Very low, prioritizes privacy |
| Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer | 1964 | Author, speaker, family leader after Lady Althorp | Louis, Lena, Eliza | Moderate, through books and media |
| Andrew Spencer | 1969 | Youngest sibling, private professional | Two children | Very low |
Family Context and Legacy
The Spencer family has been part of British aristocracy for centuries, and Diana’s upbringing at Althorp shaped her sense of duty and privacy. While the spotlight remained on her through marriage and motherhood, her siblings navigated their own paths. Sarah balanced public visibility with family duties; Jane leaned into quiet support; Charles used writing to process public grief and class identity; Andrew maintained a private course. Together, they have periodically reunited for commemorations, notably around anniversaries of Diana’s death and the weddings of nephews William and Harry, underscoring enduring familial ties beyond media narratives.
Diana’s Nieces and Nephews
The next generation
Diana’s nieces and nephews represent the next generation of the Spencer family. Sarah’s children—Tom McCorquodale, Nora McCorquodale, and Billy McCorquodale—have largely stayed out of the public spotlight. Jane’s three children—Eliza Fellowes, Flora Fellowes, and Arthur Fellowes—have also avoided major media attention. Charles’s children—Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, Lena Spencer, and Eliza Spencer—have appeared occasionally at family events, with Louis notably serving as a page at William’s wedding in 2011. Andrew’s children, while less documented, are part of the broader family network that gathers at Althorp for significant occasions.
The Althorp Estate and Family Stewardship
Althorp remains the Spencer family seat and a powerful symbol of continuity. Charles Spencer has taken an active role in preserving the estate, balancing open days that fund maintenance with private family life. The house contains memorials to Diana, including her childhood rooms and the Spencer family gallery, reinforcing the long history that Diana and her siblings inherited. For the siblings, stewardship involves managing this legacy while honoring private grief and public responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many siblings did Princess Diana have?
Diana had four siblings: Sarah, Jane, Charles, and Andrew, making five children in total.
- Which sibling is the oldest?
Sarah McCorquodale, born in 1955, is the oldest of the siblings.
- Which sibling is the youngest?
Andrew Spencer, born in 1969, is the youngest sibling.
- Did any siblings hold official royal roles?
While none held formal royal office, several participated in royal events and ceremonial duties, notably Charles as a senior family representative and Jane as an aunt to Prince William and Prince Harry.
Conclusion
Understanding Princess Diana’s siblings from oldest to youngest offers insight into the broader Spencer family structure. Each sibling has carved out a distinct path, balancing private life with ties to a storied family history that continues to resonate in British culture. Their collective presence reflects the enduring influence of upbringing, duty, and personal choice within one of Britain’s most prominent aristocratic families.