John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl Spencer
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Spencer in 1967
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| Predecessor | Albert Spencer |
| Successor | Charles Spencer |
| Born | Edward John Spencer 24 January 1924 Bayswater, Paddington, London, England |
| Died | 29 March 1992 (aged 68) St John's Wood, London, England |
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Edward John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer, LVO (born 24 January 1924 – died 29 March 1992), was a British nobleman, military officer, and a courtier. He was known as Viscount Althorp until 1975. He is most famous for being the father of Diana, Princess of Wales. He was also the grandfather of William, Prince of Wales, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.
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Early Life and Military Service
Edward John Spencer was born on 24 January 1924 in London. His parents were Albert Spencer, 7th Earl Spencer, and Lady Cynthia Hamilton. He was their only son.
He went to famous schools like Eton College and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He also studied at the Royal Agricultural College. During World War II, he served as a captain in the Royal Scots Greys from 1944 to 1945. He landed in France the day after D-Day. He helped lead a British Army unit to free two French towns, La Neuve-Lyre and La Vieille-Lyre.
After the war, from 1947 to 1950, he worked as an Aide-de-Camp. This means he was a personal assistant to a high-ranking military officer, Sir Willoughby Norrie, who was the Governor of South Australia at the time.
Public Service and Royal Roles
Lord Spencer held several important public roles. He was a County Councillor for Northamptonshire starting in 1952. In 1959, he became the High Sheriff of Northamptonshire. This is a ceremonial role representing the King or Queen in the county. He was also a Justice of the Peace for Norfolk from 1970. A Justice of the Peace is a volunteer who deals with minor legal cases.
He also served the Royal Family directly. He was an equerry to King George VI from 1950 to 1952. After King George VI died, he continued as an equerry to Queen Elizabeth II until 1954. An equerry is an officer who helps members of the Royal Family with their daily duties. In 1954, he was given the Royal Victorian Order for his service.
He was known by the title Viscount Althorp for most of his life. When his father passed away in 1975, he became the 8th Earl Spencer. This meant he also became a member of the House of Lords, which is part of the British Parliament.
Family Life
On 1 June 1954, Edward John Spencer married Frances Ruth Roche. Their wedding took place at Westminster Abbey. Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the Royal Family attended the ceremony.
They had five children:
- Lady Sarah McCorquodale (born 1955)
- Jane Fellowes, Baroness Fellowes (born 1957)
- John Spencer (born and died on 12 January 1960)
- Diana, Princess of Wales (born 1961 – died 1997)
- Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer (born 1964)
Their marriage ended in divorce in 1969. After the divorce, Lord Spencer was given custody of their children.
In 1976, Lord Spencer married Raine McCorquodale. She was the daughter of the famous romantic novelist Barbara Cartland.
In 1978, Lord Spencer had a serious stroke. He spent eight months in the hospital recovering. He passed away from a heart attack in 1992. His son, Charles, then became the 9th Earl Spencer.
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See also
In Spanish: John Spencer, VIII conde de Spencer para niños
