Princess Diana’s Brother Charles Spencer Marks 28th Anniversary of Her Passing: “Always an Impossible Day”

On August 31, 2025, Charles Spencer, the brother of the late Princess Diana, paid a heartfelt tribute to his sister on the 28th anniversary of her death. Holding a bouquet of fresh flowers picked from the gardens of the family estate at Althorp, Charles shared on Instagram: “Flowers we cut this morning from Althorp’s gardens for the Island – always an impossible day.”

At 61 years old, Charles Spencer has been the custodian of Althorp Estate since 1992, following the passing of his father, John Spencer. His message and the accompanying photos reveal the deep connection and love he still holds for his sister, nearly three decades after the tragic event.

A Tragedy That Lasts Forever

Princess Diana, mother to Princes William and Harry, died at the age of 36 in a tragic car accident in Paris in 1997. Her death shook the world, leaving a profound void in the British royal family, her loved ones, and millions of fans worldwide. The loss remains a poignant chapter in both family history and global memory.

Charles has revealed that he visits Diana’s gravesite almost every day. In a 2024 interview on Good Morning Britain, he said, “She’s buried at home, and I go pretty much every day. Last week, one of her closest childhood friends came and was on the island. That was so nice.”

The Private Island – Diana’s Final Resting Place

Diana is buried on a small private island located within the grounds of the Althorp Estate in West Northamptonshire, England. The island is completely private and can only be accessed by boat—no public entry is allowed.

There used to be a bridge connecting the island to the main estate, but as Prince Harry shared, it was removed to protect his mother’s privacy and keep unwanted visitors away.

In his 2023 memoir Spare, Harry wrote, “The bridge had been removed to give my mother privacy, to keep intruders away.” This reflects the family’s effort to preserve Diana’s peace amid growing public interest and media attention.

Meghan Markle’s First Visit to Diana’s Gravesite

Harry also recalled the emotional first visit to his mother’s grave with his wife, Meghan Markle, in 2022. The couple, married in 2018 and parents to two children—Archie and Lilibet—shared a deeply personal moment paying respects to Diana.

Harry described in Spare: “No visit to this place was ever easy, but this one… the 25th anniversary, and Meg’s first time. At long last, I was bringing the girl of my dreams home to meet Mum.”

He went on: “We hesitated, hugging, then I went first. I placed flowers on the grave. Meg gave me a moment, and I spoke to my mother in my head, told her I missed her, asked for guidance and clarity. Feeling Meg might want a moment, I walked around the hedge and looked out at the pond. When I returned, Meg was kneeling, eyes closed, palms pressed against the stone.”

 

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As they walked back to the boat, Harry asked Meghan what she was praying for. “Clarity,” she said. “And guidance.” This moment showed that despite everything, Meghan sought the same comfort and direction Diana once represented for Harry.

A Day That’s Never Easy

The anniversary of Diana’s death remains a deeply emotional day for her family and millions of admirers worldwide. For Charles Spencer, it is a day filled with remembrance and devotion. The fresh flowers from the Althorp gardens and his near-daily visits to the island stand as a testament to the unbreakable bond and enduring love within a family that has faced immense loss.

Sharing these personal memories and quiet moments of tribute not only preserves the legacy of Princess Diana but also inspires many to honor a woman who remains a global icon of compassion, courage, and grace.