Charles Spencer, the younger brother of the late Princess Diana, has revealed heartbreaking news following King Charles III’s recent state visit to Canada. In a social media post shared Tuesday morning, Spencer disclosed that one of the farmhouses on the historic Althorp Estate, the Spencer family’s ancestral home, was destroyed in a suspected arson attack.
“Stunned to learn that one of @AlthorpHouse’s farmhouses — fortunately, unoccupied at the time — was apparently burnt down by vandals last night,” Earl Spencer wrote. “With thanks to @northantsfire for doing their very best. So very sad that anyone would think this a fun thing to do.”
The fire broke out in the early hours of the morning, and emergency services were called to the scene at around 1:30 a.m. Firefighters from the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service arrived swiftly and were able to prevent the blaze from spreading to other buildings on the estate. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
The incident has sparked an official investigation, with authorities treating the fire as suspected arson. No arrests have been made as of yet.
Althorp Estate, encompassing more than 13,000 acres, is not only the historic seat of the Spencer family but also the childhood home and final resting place of Princess Diana, who is buried on a private island within the grounds. The estate attracts global interest as a symbol of Diana’s enduring legacy and her connection to British royal history.
The timing of the incident, so soon after King Charles III’s diplomatic tour of Canada, has stirred speculation, though there is no known link between the two events. The King’s visit focused on reconciliation efforts with Indigenous communities and was widely covered in the international press.
Public reaction to the fire has been one of sorrow and outrage. Many supporters of the Spencer family and admirers of Princess Diana have expressed sympathy online, with calls for increased security around historically significant landmarks.
As the investigation continues, Charles Spencer and his family are left to cope with the damage — both physical and emotional — inflicted by what he described as a senseless act of vandalism.