Earl Charles Spencer recently captivated his followers with a breathtaking glimpse of Althorp House, the ancestral estate of the Spencer family.
On a sun-drenched Sunday, he shared a short video on his Instagram Stories that perfectly captured the grandeur of the property and its lush grounds, all under a pristine blue sky.
The absence of any text allowed the visuals to take center stage, inviting viewers to soak in the beauty of the moment.
The timing of this post was particularly poignant, as it came just before Spencer engaged with visitors at the estate.
He was there to sign copies of his latest book, “A Very Private School,” at the on-site gift shop.
Althorp opens its doors to the public during the summer months, providing a unique opportunity for guests to experience the estate where Charles spent his childhood.
He moved to Althorp at the age of 11, while his sister, the beloved Princess Diana, was 14.
In previous discussions, Spencer has reflected on the significance of the estate’s opening and closing dates, which hold a deep emotional resonance for his family.
Interestingly, these dates were set long before Diana’s tragic passing.
As he explained on model Twiggy’s podcast, “Tea with Twiggy,” the arrangement with the government regarding the estate’s summer schedule was made years ago.
“We agreed to be open for July and August, so we open on the 1st of July, which is Diana’s birthday, and we close on August 31, which is the day she died,” he noted.
It’s a strange twist of fate that these dates were established five years before her untimely death.
This year, however, visitors will have an even earlier opportunity to explore Althorp, as the estate will close on August 29.
Alongside this adjustment, Charles announced an exciting new exhibition, which promises to be a highlight for attendees.
Earlier this month, he took to social media to declare, “Althorp is open to day visitors from July 1st till August 29th this year,” and he also teased a special display: a stunning canoe gifted to him by Edmarkoska for his 60th birthday in May.
Spencer shared his awe regarding this unique gift, emphasizing its beauty and craftsmanship.
“It’s as beautiful as many of the works of art in Althorp House, accumulated by my family over the past 500 years,” he remarked.
His appreciation for the generosity behind the gift was evident as he expressed how hard it was to fathom such thoughtfulness.
Althorp House itself is a magnificent stately home, set on a sprawling estate that spans 13,000 acres.
Located just five miles northwest of Northampton, it nestles between Great Brington and Harlestone.
The house and its gardens cover 550 of those acres, making it a truly impressive site steeped in history.
Charles Spencer inherited the estate following the death of his father, John, in 1992.
Since then, he has continued to honor the family’s legacy.
In 2011, he married Countess Karen Spencer, whom he met on a blind date in Los Angeles the previous year.
The couple welcomed their daughter, Charlotte Diana, in 2012.
However, they recently announced their divorce, marking another chapter in Spencer’s life.