Princess Diana's brother Earl Spencer opens up about the anniversary of her death: 'It does take me out at the knees'
Spencer says he is ‘always surprised’ by how hard he finds the day
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Earl Spencer has opened up about his grief over the loss of his sister, Princess Diana.
Speaking on Radio 4, the 55-year-old explained that he is “surprised” by how difficult he finds the anniversary of her death.
“I'm always surprised by how difficult August 31 is each year actually,” he said.
“I always slightly brace myself for it and it does take me out at the knees. It is a very poignant time.”
Spencer continued: "It's very odd when you lose someone very close.
“There are holes in every family that can't be filled.”
Diana died in a car crash in 1997, marking 23 years since her death.
Charles also recalled struggling with his sister's fame when he was young, explaining: "I remember when she got engaged and suddenly realising this girl I'd grown up with was world famous.
"I remember my first reaction to the extreme level of global fame was always having an ache listening to the news.
“I thought if something ever happened to her, It would be the first item on the news. Even as a teenager I was conscious it would be the top bulletin.”
Charles was asked how he heard about his sister’s death.
“I was on the phone to my other sister Jane and her husband worked for the Queen and he was on another line,” he said.
"I heard him go ‘Oh no,’ and that's when I knew."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments