Diana Spencer

Lady Diana Spencer is a name shared by several members of the Spencer family, an aristocratic English family related to the Churchills of Blenheim Palace.

By far the best-known holder of this name and title was Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997).

The most notable of her predecessors was Lady Diana Spencer (1710-1735), who, by coincidence was sought in marriage by an earlier Prince of Wales, Frederick. The granddaughter of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, she was encouraged by her grandmother, Sarah, to hope for the royal alliance, which was prompted more by the prince's hope of an increased financial allowance than from any mutual affection. However, the idea of such a marriage was quashed by King George II, and Lady Diana married, in 1731, John Russell, 4th Duke of Bedford. She died tragically young.

Biography

Lady Diana Spencer 1710-1735 by Victoria Massey (2000) ISBN 0749004916