Lady Sarah McCorquodale – Princess Diana’s sister, who was once d ex girlfriend of King Charles – joins the royal family for VE Day…See more.

Lady Sarah McCorquodale – Princess Diana’s sister, who was once d ex girlfriend of King Charles – joins the royal family for VE Day…See more.

On May 5, 2025, the United Kingdom marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a grand military procession and flypast at Buckingham Palace. Among the royals gathered to honor the occasion was an unexpected yet significant figure: Lady Sarah McCorquodale, the elder sister of the late Princess Diana. Her presence at this high-profile event, seated near King Charles III, sparked widespread interest due to her historical connection to the monarch and her enduring ties to the royal family. This article explores Lady Sarah’s life, her brief romance with King Charles, her role in Diana’s legacy, and her appearance at the VE Day commemorations.
Early Life and Family Background
Born Elizabeth Sarah Lavinia Spencer on March 19, 1955, Lady Sarah McCorquodale is the eldest of five children born to John Spencer, the 8th Earl Spencer, and Frances Roche. Raised at the Spencer family’s ancestral estate, Althorp, in Northamptonshire, Sarah grew up alongside her siblings: Lady Jane Fellowes, Diana (later Princess of Wales), Charles Spencer (the 9th Earl Spencer), and a brother, John, who tragically died shortly after birth in 1960. The Spencer family, steeped in British aristocracy, had longstanding ties to the royal family, with Sarah’s grandmothers, Cynthia Spencer and Ruth Roche, serving as ladies-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
Sarah’s childhood was marked by privilege but also personal challenges.

She attended Riddlesworth Hall School in Norfolk and West Heath boarding school in Kent, where she completed her O-Level exams before moving to London to work. In her early twenties, she struggled with anorexia nervosa, a health issue she later overcame. In 1975, when her grandfather passed away, her father inherited the earldom, and Sarah acquired the courtesy title “Lady,” cementing her place in the aristocracy.

A Brief Romance with Prince Charles
Lady Sarah’s connection to the royal family deepened in 1977 when she met Prince Charles, then the Prince of Wales, at a house party during the Royal Ascot at Windsor. The two quickly hit it off, bonding over shared interests and a mutual sense of humor. Their romance, though short-lived, was notable for its role in shaping royal history. Sarah invited Charles to Althorp for a shoot, where he first met her 16-year-old sister, Diana. At the time, Charles described Diana as “jolly” and “bouncy,” but saw her only as Sarah’s younger sister.

The relationship between Sarah and Charles was never destined for marriage. In 1978, while on a skiing trip in Klosters, Sarah spoke candidly to journalists James Whittaker and Nigel Nelson about her royal connection, reportedly stating she wouldn’t marry Charles “whether he were the dustman or the King of England.” This indiscretion led Charles to end the relationship abruptly, valuing discretion in his romantic partners. Despite the breakup, there was no lasting animosity. Sarah later reflected on the end of their romance with good humor, and it was she who played a pivotal role in introducing Charles to Diana.

In 1980, Sarah facilitated a meeting between Charles and Diana at a friend’s barbecue in Sussex. When Charles and Diana announced their engagement in 1981, Sarah famously told The Guardian, “I introduced them. I’m Cupid.” This lighthearted claim underscored her amicable relationship with both Charles and her sister, even as Diana’s marriage to Charles propelled her into global fame.

Marriage and Family Life
While Diana’s life became a public spectacle, Sarah chose a quieter path. On May 17, 1980, she married Neil Edmund McCorquodale, a wealthy Lincolnshire farmer and former officer in the Coldstream Guards, in a modest ceremony at St. Mary’s Church near Althorp. Neil, described as “solid, steady, and private” by biographer Sally Bedell Smith, was a perfect complement to Sarah’s ebullient personality. The couple settled near Grantham, Lincolnshire, where they raised their three children: Emily (born 1983), George (born 1984), and Celia (born 1989). Sarah is now a grandmother to seven.

Sarah’s marriage has been a source of stability, contrasting with the turbulent public life of her sister Diana. She has largely avoided the spotlight, focusing on her family and local commitments, including serving as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire in 2009 and Master of the Belvoir Hunt in 2010.
A Trusted Confidante to Princess Diana
Sarah and Diana remained exceptionally close throughout Diana’s life. As Diana navigated the complexities of royal life, Sarah served as a trusted confidante and occasional lady-in-waiting, accompanying her on official engagements, such as a 1993 visit to Nepal. Diana once described Sarah as “the only person I know I can trust,” a testament to their unbreakable bond. Sarah was also a supportive aunt to Princes William and Harry, often spending time with them and her own children on family vacations, including a 1990 trip to the British Virgin Islands.

When Diana tragically died in a car accident in Paris on August 31, 1997, Sarah was among the first to respond. She flew to Paris with her sister Jane and Prince Charles to bring Diana’s body back to England. At Diana’s funeral, Sarah contributed to the readings, honoring her sister’s memory. As co-executor of Diana’s will, she took on the somber task of managing her sister’s personal documents, ensuring that sensitive materials were handled with care to protect William and Harry. Sarah also served as president of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, which raised over £112 million for charities before closing in 2012.
Continued Ties to Princes William and Harry
Despite living out of the public eye, Sarah has maintained close relationships with her nephews, Princes William and Harry. She attended significant milestones in their lives, including William’s wedding to Catherine Middleton in 2011 and Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle in 2018. In July 2021, Sarah joined William and Harry at the unveiling of a statue of Diana in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, marking what would have been Diana’s 60th birthday. Her presence at these events reflects her role as a maternal figure in the princes’ lives, bridging their connection to their late mother’s family.
Sarah’s support for her nephews has extended to more personal moments. In September 2024, she made a rare public appearance to support William at the Sovereign’s Parade at the Royal Air Force College in Cranwell, Lincolnshire, near her home. According to Daily Mail reporter Rebecca English, Sarah attended because she “heard he was in the area and wanted to support him,” highlighting her ongoing commitment to family.

The VE Day Commemorations: A Surprise Appearance
The 80th anniversary of VE Day, commemorating the end of World War II in Europe, brought together senior members of the royal family, including King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The event featured a military procession with 1,300 members of the Armed Forces and a flypast, observed from the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace. Lady Sarah’s presence in the royal box, seated near King Charles with only 98-year-old veteran Joy Trew between them, was a notable moment that captured public attention.

Sarah’s attendance was linked to her prominent role in the Stamford branch of the Royal British Legion, a charity that supports veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces, of which King Charles is a patron. Her involvement underscores her commitment to community service, a value she shared with Diana. During the event, cameras captured a heartwarming interaction when Sarah, Charles, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, worked together to wrap Joy Trew in blankets against the wind, a gesture that highlighted their camaraderie.
The sight of Sarah and Charles together sparked curiosity, given their past romance and shared history through Diana. Royal watchers noted the significance of Sarah’s front-row seat alongside Queen Camilla, Sophie, and other royals, as well as her interactions with her nephew William and his family. Posts on X reflected public fascination, with users commenting on her proximity to Charles and her enduring connection to the royal family.

Legacy and Public Perception
Lady Sarah McCorquodale’s life is a study in contrasts: a brief flirtation with royal destiny, a pivotal role in one of the most famous royal marriages, and a deliberate choice to live privately. Her appearance at the VE Day commemorations was a rare public moment that underscored her unique position within the royal orbit. While she has avoided the spotlight, her contributions to Diana’s legacy—through the Memorial Fund, her support for William and Harry, and her charitable work—demonstrate a quiet strength and dedication to family.
Sarah’s story also challenges narratives of rivalry or resentment. Far from being overshadowed by Diana’s fame or her own brief romance with Charles, she embraced her role as a matchmaker and supporter. Her comment, “I’m Cupid,” reflects a wry humor and lack of bitterness, qualities that have endeared her to those who know her story.

Conclusion
Lady Sarah McCorquodale’s presence at the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations was more than a nostalgic reunion; it was a reminder of her enduring ties to the royal family and her commitment to honoring the past. As Princess Diana’s sister, a former confidante of King Charles, and a devoted aunt to Princes William and Harry, Sarah occupies a unique place in royal history. Her life, marked by loyalty, service, and resilience, continues to resonate, offering a glimpse into the personal connections that shape the monarchy’s public face. As the royal family and the nation commemorated a historic milestone, Sarah’s quiet presence spoke volumes about her lasting legacy.