The Complex Life of Lady Sarah McCorquodale: The Woman Who Shaped Princess Diana’s Fate

When we think of the late Princess Diana, images of her poised elegance, her heartfelt charity work, and the poignant tragedy of her life come to mind. Yet, one crucial figure who shaped the life of the “People’s Princess” has often been overlooked—Diana’s older sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale. Far from being a mere footnote in Diana’s story, Lady Sarah played an instrumental role in the life and destiny of the most beloved royal figure of the 20th century.

Born Elizabeth Sarah Lavinia Spencer on March 19, 1955, Lady Sarah was the eldest daughter of John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer, and Frances Shand Kydd. As Diana’s sister and confidante, Sarah’s relationship with the future princess was one of both deep loyalty and, in some ways, unintended consequence. Her influence on Diana’s life—and her unique personal struggles—highlight a woman who is both fascinating and, perhaps, fated to shape one of history’s most significant royal stories.

A Noble Birth, a Complicated Start

Lady Sarah’s life was marked by her aristocratic heritage. She grew up in Althorp House, the Spencer family estate, surrounded by history and privilege. At age 20, following her father’s ascension as the 8th Earl Spencer in 1975, she was granted the title of “Lady.” Despite what seemed like an idyllic childhood in a noble family, Lady Sarah’s life was not without its challenges. Like many members of British nobility, she was expected to adhere to the stringent social codes of her class and family tradition, which shaped her identity in unique ways.

Throughout her upbringing, she was known for her spirited personality and rebellious streak. Though born into privilege, Sarah faced her own trials, especially when it came to her health and social standing. One of her most profound struggles came early in life when she confronted a battle with eating disorders. The toll it took on her health and self-image left lasting scars, and Sarah’s experience with these personal struggles would create a bond of empathy between her and Diana, who later faced similar issues.

A Surprising Romance: Sarah’s Connection to Prince Charles

Before Diana ever met Prince Charles, Lady Sarah was the one with royal connections. In 1977, she briefly dated Charles, an unexpected development that would eventually impact the entire Spencer family. While the relationship did not last long, Sarah’s initial romance with the Prince was a major stepping stone in the connection between the Spencers and the British royal family.

The brief relationship with Charles was significant for another reason: it was Sarah who introduced her younger sister to the Prince of Wales. As history would have it, Charles and Diana’s relationship quickly blossomed, leading to one of the most famous engagements and marriages in modern royal history. Sarah later joked that she had been “Cupid” in Diana and Charles’s relationship, a role that would profoundly shape her younger sister’s future.

Loyal Sister, Influential Confidante

Although Lady Sarah’s own romantic connection with Charles ended early, her bond with Diana remained unwavering. Sarah became a supportive figure in Diana’s life, standing by her side throughout the young princess’s engagement, marriage, and eventually, her painful struggles within the royal family.

Lady Sarah was one of the few people who saw the full picture of Diana’s life. She understood her sister’s mental health struggles, eating disorders, and the intense pressure she faced as a member of the British royal family. Throughout these turbulent years, Sarah often served as a shoulder for Diana to lean on, despite her own life challenges and complex family relationships. Lady Sarah’s loyalty to Diana extended even beyond her sister’s tragic passing in 1997; she continued to preserve her memory and legacy in various ways, even assuming a role in managing Diana’s charity work and estate.

The Battle with Eating Disorders

One of the most significant, and often underreported, aspects of Lady Sarah’s life was her struggle with eating disorders. The condition took a toll on her physically and emotionally, yet she managed to keep it private for many years. Her battles with these issues resonated deeply with Diana, who herself later faced similar struggles.

Their shared experience created a unique bond between the two sisters, as both faced the consequences of high expectations and intense public scrutiny. Though Sarah’s issues were not as publicized as Diana’s, her empathy and understanding made her a key source of comfort and stability for her sister. She was, in many ways, one of the few people who truly understood the complexities of Diana’s life behind closed doors.

Lady Sarah’s Life Beyond the Royal Drama

Though Lady Sarah’s connection to Diana and the royal family often dominates public attention, she carved out her own life and career with a commitment to privacy and service. She pursued a modest professional path, working various jobs in London before eventually marrying Neil McCorquodale, a farmer and distant relative of the royal family. The couple raised three children together and built a life away from the spotlight, demonstrating Sarah’s preference for a quiet, more private lifestyle.

Yet Sarah’s loyalty to her sister’s legacy did not wane with time. She played an instrumental role in the management of the Princess Diana Memorial Fund, which directed millions of pounds to charities supporting causes close to Diana’s heart, including efforts to combat landmines, promote palliative care, and support marginalized groups. In this way, Lady Sarah helped ensure that Diana’s humanitarian legacy continued to thrive long after her passing.

Legacy of the Spencer Sisters

Despite leading different lives, the legacy of Lady Sarah and Princess Diana remains intertwined. Sarah’s early connection to Prince Charles set in motion events that would forever alter Diana’s life, and her steadfast support during Diana’s most challenging moments highlighted the strength of their familial bond. Following Diana’s tragic death, Lady Sarah has continued to protect her sister’s memory and advocate for her legacy, honoring her in ways that few others could.

Lady Sarah McCorquodale’s life may not have unfolded with the same high-profile glamour and tragedy as her sister’s, but her role in Diana’s life—and her own story of resilience and loyalty—offer a remarkable perspective on the hidden figures who shaped one of the most beloved figures in modern history. Sarah’s strength, discretion, and devotion to her sister stand as a testament to the quiet but profound ways in which family can shape our lives, often in ways that go unseen by the public.

As Lady Sarah McCorquodale approaches her own later years, her place in royal history as a confidante, advisor, and devoted sister to Diana is secure. In a world where the legacy of Princess Diana continues to resonate, Sarah’s story serves as a reminder of the quiet strength that so often exists behind the scenes, shaping the lives and destinies of those who captivate the world.