Princess Diana's Brother Is "Stunned" That Their Childhood Home Was Targeted in "Disturbing" Suspected Arson
Earl Spencer wrote that an 18th-century building on the Althorp Estate was "torched by vandals."


Princess Diana's younger brother, Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, has spoken out after a shocking incident on the family's estate. Princess Diana grew up—and is buried on—the 13,000-acre Althorp estate, which is now run by Earl Spencer. On Wednesday, May 28, he shared that a historic building on the property burnt down in a suspected arson incident.
"Luckily unoccupied at the time - but still deeply disturbing that one of our farmhouses was torched by vandals last night," Spencer wrote in an Instagram Story showing the property on fire. "Sincere thanks to @northantsfire for trying to save it."
He continued in an X post that he was "stunned to learn" of the incident, adding, "So very sad that anyone would think this a fun thing to do."
Earl Spencer shared a photo of the blaze on X.
The historic farmhouse was destroyed in the fire.
The main building, Althorp House, was untouched during the incident, but according to David Fawkes, chief executive of the Althorp Estate, an 18th-century farmhouse was "completely destroyed by the fire" (via People).
He continued that the house and its surrounding farm buildings "have been unoccupied for several years and the site is scheduled for redevelopment as part of the Dallington Grange development."
According to the BBC, the Northamptonshire Police said the fire has "not been recorded as a crime at present, but this could change if there is evidence to indicate it was started deliberately."
Princess Diana is buried on a peaceful island situated in the middle of Althorp's Oval Lake, and last fall, Earl Spencer told Good Morning Britain that he visits her grave via rowboat "pretty much every day."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.
Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.
Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.
-
Natalie Portman’s Lob Is Having the Best Euro Summer
If I were a hairstyle, I’d be this one.
-
Duchess Sophie Curtsies So Low to King Charles That She Loses Her On-Trend Wedges at Flower Show
Royal job hazards.
-
I Still Hate Capsule Wardrobes—But Everyone Needs These 7 Pieces
From button-down shirts to beaded necklaces, here are the summer essentials that belong in your closet.
-
How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Paid Tribute to Princess Diana With Princess Lilibet's 4th Birthday Celebration
The Sussexes spent "two days of pure joy" at Disneyland with their children.
-
Princess Diana Argued With Her Butler and One Designer Over Wanting to "Go Super Short on the Skirts"
She argued with her butler and one designer about pushing the boundaries of hemlines.
-
Princess Diana Was Betrayed by "Monster of Harrods" Mohamed Al-Fayed's Security Guards, Per Shocking New Book
"You had to be on your toes," a former guard said in the explosive tell-all.
-
Princess Diana Had a 'Pretty Woman' Moment After Being Turned Away From Top Designer Ahead of Her Wedding
"Big mistake. Big. Huge!"
-
Princess Diana "Started Crying" While Discussing Prince Harry, Prince William and This Shocking Event
News presenter Eamonn Holmes recalled a moment when the late princess "went into a whole literal sob story."
-
A "Lonely" Princess Diana Thanked One Unexpected Person for Their Friendship—and "Bowls of Cereal"—After Her Royal Wedding
Julien's Auctions tells 'Marie Claire' that an extraordinary letter is up for sale in the "biggest Diana auction ever."
-
Princess Diana Was the Original Queen of the Butter Yellow Trend
From overalls to evening gowns, she was the ultimate pastel influencer.
-
Prince William Is Aiming for a "Diana Reboot of the Monarchy" When He Becomes King, Per Royal Author
The Prince of Wales is taking inspiration from his late mother.