Princess Diana’s brother Charles Spencer has revealed a photograph of a private look inside his family tomb.
The Earl was paying tribute to his late ancestor Sir John Spencer, who was a politician and knighted during his lifetime, on the 500th-year anniversary of the death.
Charles shared a glimpse inside his private tomb, where a stone figure with its hands together in a prayer gesture was lying in rest, according to Mirror Online.
It was situated near a stained-glass window, and was decorated with multiple crosses over the arms and shoulders.
In a post on Instagram, Charles wrote: “The tomb of my ancestor Sir John Spencer - who died precisely 500 years ago today, on 14 April 1522.
“He bought the farmland around Althorp, and then built @althorphouse in 1508. Businessman, sheep farmer, sheriff, and politician, he was knighted by Henry VIII in 1519.”
Fans were moved by the post, with one writing: “Where is this tomb located? Its detail is impressive. I’d love to see his face. He would have missed the reformation times. He would be proud to know his home is still in great hands.”
A second added: “You are so very lucky to be able to trace your ancestors! This is everything. I wish I could.”
A third said: “I can’t get over how beautifully detailed and well maintained the tomb is. It’s in exceptional condition. I’d love to see other photos of it from different angles.”
“This is amazing and beautiful. Love his praying hands,” a fourth noted.
And a fifth commented: “How interesting to be able to know so much about your ancestor. Wouldn’t he be amazed to see it today and to meet you and hear about the modern-day Spencer’s!”
Earlier this year, Charles shared a striking black-and-white photo of the 550-acre property from the 1800s, and shared that an old wing of the building no longer exists.
In his caption, he explained: “In the 19th century Althorp briefly had a billiard room / extra library - the additional wing is visible towards the left of this photograph.”
Fans were quick to suggest why the billiard room and extra library had been removed.
One asked: “Why was the wing removed? Was it purely in the interests of symmetry, or was there some other reason for the brevity of its existence?”
A second questioned: “What happened to it?” and a third queried: “What happened to the additional wing?
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