Princess Diana’s Brother Shows Off 450-Year-Old Portrait Hanging in His Home (and It Has a Royal Connection)
Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, is using his social media following to share information about a royal family member.
Last month, the 59-year-old historian posted a stunning portrait on Instagram of Mary Anne Waltham. (FYI, she was the daughter of King Edward III.)
In the photo, Mary is wearing a traditional outfit consisting of a dress with an ornate collar and coordinating hat. The portrait is displayed in a detailed gold frame that’s set against lavish red wallpaper.
In the caption, Spencer discussed the hidden meaning behind the painting. “One of my favourite portraits at Althorp: a half-length of Mary Anne Waltham, who was one of the ladies-in-waiting to Mary, Queen of Scots,” he wrote. “Such an intriguing painting—you get such a feel for her character from this look. Painted exquisitely by François Quesnel, in 1572. Quesnel started as a court painter to Catherine de’ Medici.”
Followers shared supportive messages for the historical painting. One person wrote, “A delight! She looks like it would be difficult to put anything over on her. Or you could say nothing gets past her.” Another added, “You feel her presence and also feel she could be of today. Lovely.”
This isn’t the first time Spencer has shared photos of the royal family on Instagram. Last month, he posted another photo on Instagram where he explained the connection between his great-great grandfather, Frederick, and Queen Victoria.
He wrote, “Frederick served as a junior officer under Nelson, and rose to become a vice-admiral, served Queen Victoria as a senior member of her royal household (she said Frederick had the best legs in England), and was a Member of Parliament. He is my great-great grandfather.”
Guess you really do learn something new every day.
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