EARL

Spencer has lived at Althorp for most of his life, but has revealed that it still doesn’t feel like home.

Princess Diana’s brother says: ‘Althorp has always been a magnificent project rather than a home. It’s a family headquarters, part of the nation’s heritage.’

Charles Spencer — whose father, the 8th Earl, died in 1992 — adds: ‘When I took over, I walked through the saloon, which is hung with family portraits going back 500 years. It was like walking across the stage with an audience. I thought “Goodness, it’s my turn to do something with the place.” ’