A Tale of Two Royals: The Complex Bond Between Lady Diana and Frances Shand Kidd

The striking resemblance between Lady Diana and her mother, Frances Shand Kidd, is hard to miss.

Even without knowing their identities, one could easily guess their familial ties.

Diana inherited not just Frances’ looks—thick blonde hair and captivating blue eyes—but also a shared sense of style.

Both women favored elegant pearl necklaces, stylish closed high heels, and shimmering silver earrings, showcasing their similar tastes in fashion.

However, beneath this surface-level connection lay a complicated relationship.

Lady Diana’s parents, Edward John Spencer, the 8th Earl of Spencer, and Frances Shand Kidd, parted ways when Diana was just seven years old.

The split stemmed from an extramarital affair, leading to a significant upheaval in Diana’s early life.

It was Frances who chose to leave their family home, a decision that would haunt their relationship for years to come.

Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, recounted the emotional turmoil their sister faced during this tumultuous time.

In a poignant interview with the Sunday Times in early 2021, he revealed how deeply affected Diana was by their mother’s departure.

As Frances packed her belongings, she promised her daughter that she would return.

Young Diana waited eagerly at the doorstep, hoping for her mother’s return, but that moment never came.

Following the separation, custody of Diana and her siblings fell to their father, Edward John Spencer.

This arrangement left Diana with a profound sense of loss and abandonment.