In a revealing new interview, Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, has opened up about the extensive transformations he's made to Althorp House, the Spencer family's ancestral seat that holds such deep connections to his late sister, Princess Diana.
The current Earl, who inherited the magnificent Northamptonshire estate in 1992, admits the property today bears little resemblance to the home where he and Diana spent their formative years. "It's a very different place now," Spencer confessed, highlighting the scale of changes implemented under his stewardship.
A Legacy Transformed
Since taking ownership of the 13,000-acre estate, Earl Spencer has dedicated himself to extensive restoration and modernisation projects. The stately home, which dates back to 1508 and contains approximately 90 rooms, has undergone significant alterations both structurally and aesthetically.
"When people visit Althorp today, they're seeing something fundamentally changed from what my sister would remember," Spencer noted, acknowledging the emotional weight of these modifications to a property so closely associated with Diana's memory.
Preserving Diana's Memory
Despite the extensive changes throughout the main house and grounds, the Earl has maintained thoughtful tributes to his sister. The Oval Lake island remains Diana's final resting place, accessible only to family members and carefully preserved as a private sanctuary.
The estate also features a dedicated exhibition celebrating Diana's life and humanitarian work, allowing visitors to connect with her legacy while understanding the evolving nature of the historic property.
Balancing Heritage and Modernity
Earl Spencer's approach represents the challenge facing many aristocratic families maintaining historic estates - balancing preservation with necessary modernisation. The changes at Althorp reflect both practical improvements and the current Earl's personal vision for the property's future.
"Every generation leaves its mark," Spencer observed, acknowledging that while the estate may look different, its essence as a family home continues through new chapters of its long history.
