When Charles Spencer, the younger brother of the late Princess Diana, shared a cherished photo from 1967 on his Instagram, he likely didn’t expect it to spark such widespread conversation. The black-and-white image captures a simple, joyful moment in a park, featuring a young Diana, their mother, and Charles himself as a spirited little boy of about three. Diana appears to be around five or six, smiling beside her family in a snapshot full of warmth and nostalgia.
Almost immediately, the post stirred a lively debate online. Followers flooded the comments, pointing out the striking resemblance between the young Diana and her granddaughter, Princess Charlotte. Some were even bold enough to call them near-twins, amazed by how closely Charlotte mirrors her late grandmother’s features. A few eagle-eyed fans also spotted a similarity between Prince George and the young Charles, opening up a broader conversation about inherited traits and the way family resemblances persist through generations.
The post struck an emotional chord for many, not just because of the physical likenesses, but because of the symbolic connections. When Prince William and his wife Kate welcomed their daughter in 2015, they named her Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, a deeply personal choice meant to honor the memory of Diana and ensure her presence remained a part of their growing family. William has often spoken about his desire for his children to know who their grandmother was, even if they would never meet her.
This legacy takes on added weight now, as Kate has been absent from several public appearances due to ongoing health concerns. Most recently, she was unable to attend the BAFTA Film Awards, an event she and William typically attend together. William, appearing without her, made a quiet reference to her absence, noting how much he missed her company—an honest glimpse into how her health is affecting their daily lives.
In the midst of these changes, moments like the one captured in Charles Spencer’s photo offer both comfort and continuity. They remind us not only of the past but of how the spirit of a beloved figure like Diana lives on—in names, in gestures, and, as many now believe, in the bright eyes and familiar smile of a young princess named Charlotte.