John Spencer, known to millions simply as “Di’s dad,” passed away on this day in 1992 at the age of 68.
He is remembered for his many roles and contributions, but perhaps the most poignant of these was his unforgettable appearance at his daughter Diana’s wedding to Prince Charles.
A Proud Father at Diana’s Wedding
The sight of John Spencer walking his daughter down the aisle at St. Paul’s Cathedral on July 29, 1981, is etched in the memories of millions of viewers.
Despite suffering a stroke just three years earlier that left him unsteady, he was determined to accompany his youngest daughter.
At 57, frail and struggling with his health, John Spencer’s walk down the 625-foot aisle took three and a half minutes.
But to those watching, it was a moment filled with courage and love.
Daily Mail journalist Richard Kay described it best when he wrote that, although Prince Charles had found the perfect bride in Diana, the country had also found in her father a warm, approachable figure, far from the typical image of an aristocrat.
Charles, Diana’s brother, also reflected on his father’s bravery during that moment, noting how the earl’s steps were stiff but filled with determination.
John’s Role in Diana’s Life and Legacy
John Spencer had always been a private man, but he couldn’t help but be thrust into the public eye when Diana’s engagement to Prince Charles was announced.
On that day, John joined the Royal Family in front of Buckingham Palace, proudly sharing in the joy of the occasion.
He was seen mingling with the crowds, looking every bit the proud father.
His easygoing nature and ability to connect with people left a lasting impression.
In a tribute years later, Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, wrote that his father had been immensely proud of being Diana’s father.
He was a humble man who never looked down on anyone, always engaging with people from all walks of life.
Charles fondly recalled how his father would take time to ask his friends about their dreams, no matter how improbable they seemed, and remember their answers years later.
The Private Life of the 8th Earl Spencer
Despite his significant role in royal events, John Spencer was more than just Diana’s father.
He was a man of accomplishment and pride, particularly in his military career.
A distant descendant of Henry VII, John went to Eton and later Sandhurst, where he trained to become an officer.
His career in the British Army saw him serve as a captain with the Royal Scots Greys during World War II and as an aide to the Governor of South Australia.
John married Diana’s mother, Frances Ruth Roche, in 1954, and together they had five children.
His legacy is carried on by his children, including his son Charles, the current Earl Spencer.
Despite his public role, John preferred a quiet, private life and once remarked that he wished Diana had married an ordinary man, so they could all live together in peace at their family estate.
The Final Years and Loss
John Spencer’s health took a significant turn after a stroke in 1978, and he spent many years in and out of hospitals.
He died in 1992 after contracting pneumonia and suffering from a heart attack.
His son, Charles, inherited the family seat of Althorp, but the death of his father was a devastating blow.
Charles recalled the last moments of his father’s life, remembering how he had been in good spirits just the night before, only to receive the heartbreaking news of his sudden passing.
Diana, who was skiing with her family at the time, was deeply affected by her father’s death.
She had visited him in the hospital just days before, but tragically, she was away when he passed.
In her memoir, she reflected on their relationship, revealing that they had some difficult moments, particularly when her father remarried without informing her or her sister beforehand.
Honoring John Spencer’s Legacy
One of Charles Spencer’s regrets was not having commissioned a portrait of his father before his death.
After years of trying to find the right artist, Charles finally unveiled a portrait of his father in 2016.
The painting, created by artist Paul Brason, shows John Spencer in a jacket and tie, fitting for his role as an aristocrat, but with a touch of rebelliousness in his crumpled clothing, symbolizing his genuine, unpretentious nature.
The portrait now hangs at Althorp, surrounded by family, as a lasting tribute to a man who was deeply loved by those closest to him.
John Spencer’s legacy lives on through his children, his descendants, and the many people whose lives he touched with his warmth, kindness, and unpretentious demeanor.
He may have been known as “Di’s dad” to many, but to those who knew him best, he was so much more.