Princess Diana’s nieces have been entrusted with precious pieces of fashion history from the Spencer family’s extensive archive, with Lady Kitty Spencer receiving a remarkable collection of vintage handbags.
The eldest daughter of Earl Charles Spencer has inherited an array of historic accessories that once belonged to her distinguished ancestors.
Speaking to Tatler, Lady Kitty and her twin sisters, Amelia and Eliza, revealed their privileged position as custodians of these cherished family heirlooms.
The collection represents generations of Spencer family heritage, with pieces dating back to the early 20th century.
Lady Kitty Spencer reveals plans for her daughter amid inheritance talks
Getty
Among the most notable pieces in Kitty’s collection is a 1920s chainmail bag that belonged to Cynthia, wife of the 7th Earl Spencer and Lady of the Bedchamber to the Queen Mother.
The treasures include a distinctive gold purse owned by Lady Anne Spencer, sister of the 8th Earl, who served as an officer in the Wrens during World War II.
Several handbags from their great-aunt and great-grandmother further enhance this remarkable collection, each piece carrying its own unique story within the Spencer family legacy.
Lady Kitty Spencer expressed her commitment to preserving these historic pieces for future generations, particularly her daughter Athena, born in 2023.
Earl Charles Spencer pictured with his nephew, Prince Harry, in 2021PA“I’ll definitely give them to my daughter one day,” she told Tatler. “They are so special to pass on.”
The mother-of-one emphasised the significance of maintaining such tangible connections to their ancestry.
“It’s lucky to have our family history so accessible to us, so we can understand where we came from,” she reflected.
Lady Kitty, Amelia and Eliza are the daughters of Earl Charles Spencer, Princess Diana’s younger brother, and were raised in Cape Town, South Africa.
Lady Eliza Spencer, Lady Kitty Spencer and Lady Amelia Spencer stepped out to support their cousin William last year
PA
Now based in London, Lady Kitty has followed in her late aunt’s footsteps through her work with Centrepoint charity alongside Prince William.
“I think she put the name out there,” Kitty said of Diana’s involvement with the organisation.
“Centrepoint has been a cherished charity that my family and I have supported for many years. I’m extremely proud of my cousin Prince William for all he does and continues to do to support Centrepoint.”
The Spencer family’s heritage dates back to the 15th century, with notable connections including former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill.
Princess Diana wearing her infamous revenge dress just hours after Charles confessed to adultery
PA
Despite being the eldest of her generation, Lady Kitty will not inherit the family’s Althorp Estate due to traditional primogeniture laws.
The historic property will instead pass to her younger brother, Louis Spencer.
Earl Charles Spencer addressed this tradition in The Telegraph, stating: “I would be totally relaxed about Kitty inheriting it, but…if I chose Kitty, it would be against all the tradition that goes with Althorp.”
