Earl Spencer Explains the Bittersweet Reason Harry and Meghan’s Earlier UK Visit Felt ‘So Sad’
Charles Spencer admitted that it was ‘so sad’ watching Diana’s grandchildren at Althorp.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appear to be settling into their new chapter, as their kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, start at new schools. In the meantime, Harry has made several high-profile public appearances, attending the 2026 WellChild Awards, the inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards, and now returning to the USA for the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting in New York City. Markle, on the other hand, has kept a lower profile, making occasional casual outings, including a recent outing to a pub with Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi.
Before their grand homecoming, they visited the United Kingdom over the summer for a few days with their kids. During the stay, they had a private meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire. The Sussexes also visited Earl Spencer at his Althorp estate in Northamptonshire. Spencer reflected on these moments during a recent interview on ITV's Lorraine, where he discussed the revelations detailed in his new memoir, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister.
Looking back on their trip, Spencer shared how wonderful it was to see Archie and Lilibet running around the house, while acknowledging the underlying sadness of the moment. Known for her immense love for children, Princess Diana never had the opportunity to meet or spend time with her grandchildren. Reflecting on this bittersweet reality, he shared, “You mentioned Harry came to stay in the summer with his family, and that was lovely. Although when I look, you know, it's so sad. I saw the two little kids running around, and the sadness of not having Diana around.”
Spencer further exclaimed, “Can you imagine what a great-grandmother Diana would have been? Spoiling them rotten!” This is far from the first time the subject of Diana as a grandmother has been raised. According to Express UK, even Prince William has previously spoken fondly about how his mother would playfully joke about being a “nightmare grandmother” to his future children. Sarah Ferguson has similarly noted how much Diana would have adored the role, once quipping, “The two of us would have a friendly 'gran-off' to see who spoiled the grandchildren more.” It is safe to say the late Princess would have been deeply attached to all her beloved grandchildren.
