Princess Diana’s eldest sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is recovering in hospital after a serious horse-riding accident that occurred in recent weeks. Her brother, Earl Charles Spencer, confirmed the incident during an episode of his podcast Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth, offering rare insight into her condition and recovery.

The Accident and Recovery

Earl Spencer revealed that his sister suffered a significant fall while riding, resulting in injuries that required extended hospital care. He described the ordeal as “a really bad fall,” adding that Lady Sarah, who is nearly ten years his senior, has been hospitalized “for some time.”

Despite the severity of the accident, Spencer emphasized her resilience and humor. “She’s quite a character,” he said, noting that hospital staff had remarked on her strong spirit. Her husband, Neil McCorquodale, has remained by her side throughout her treatment.

A Lifelong Connection to the Royal Family

Born Elizabeth Sarah Lavinia Spencer in 1955, Lady Sarah is the eldest of the four Spencer siblings, including the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Known for her discretion and loyalty, she has largely lived out of the public eye despite her deep ties to the royal family.

Before Diana’s marriage to then-Prince Charles, Lady Sarah briefly dated him in the late 1970s. Their amicable relationship later led to Charles meeting Diana — a connection that would shape royal history. Throughout the years, Lady Sarah has remained a quiet but steady presence within the family circle, avoiding the spotlight while preserving her sister’s legacy.

Life at Althorp and Family Ties

Lady Sarah married Neil Edmund McCorquodale, a British landowner, in 1980. The couple share three children — Emily, George, and Celia — and reside in Lincolnshire, where they maintain a relatively private life focused on community and charitable work.

She has also kept close relationships with her nephews, Prince William and Prince Harry, supporting them privately through major milestones and challenges. Both princes have remained connected to their mother’s side of the family, frequently visiting Althorp Estate, the Spencer ancestral home.

Remembering Diana’s Legacy

During the podcast, Earl Spencer reflected on the enduring global fascination with Princess Diana. He admitted that while strangers often approach him to share memories of her death in 1997, such moments can be emotionally complex.
“I’m sure it’s helpful to them,” he said, “but it’s not entirely helpful to everyone else.”

He also recounted a recent encounter with an American woman who passionately shared her admiration for Diana, highlighting the late princess’s lasting emotional impact across generations and continents.

Each year, the Spencer family privately honors Diana’s memory at her resting place on the island in Althorp’s Oval Lake. Earl Spencer and his children continue the tradition of gathering flowers for her grave every August, marking the anniversary of her passing in a quiet family ceremony. Lady Sarah and her sister, Lady Jane Fellowes, have often represented the family at memorial events celebrating Diana’s humanitarian work.

A Family’s Strength

Earl Spencer also reflected on the most difficult moment of public mourning — Diana’s funeral at Westminster Abbey in 1997. He recalled his opposition to the decision for William and Harry, then aged 15 and 12, to walk behind their mother’s coffin, calling the idea “terrible.”
“On the day, [Prince Philip] was a calming presence,” he added, remembering the solemn unity of that day.

Prince Harry later revisited the same moment in his memoir Spare, describing his uncle’s compassion during the family’s time of grief.

Lady Sarah’s Resilient Spirit

An experienced equestrian, Lady Sarah has always had a bold and independent nature. Those close to her describe her as strong-willed and full of life — qualities that have defined her both in and out of the public eye.

Though her injuries were serious, Earl Spencer’s update suggests she is recovering steadily, buoyed by her trademark determination and the support of those closest to her.