John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer Biography: Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Ethnicity, Death, Children, Wives

John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer, was a British aristocrat and military officer, best known as the father of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Born into nobility, he held various positions within the royal household and served with distinction during World War II.

Profile

• Full name: Edward John Spencer
• Nickname: Johnnie
• Date of birth: January 24, 1924
• Age as of 2025: Deceased
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Bayswater, London, England
• Nationality: British
• Profession: British nobleman, military officer, courtier
• Height: N/A
• Parents: Albert Spencer, 7th Earl Spencer (father), Lady Cynthia Hamilton (mother)
• Siblings: Lady Anne Spencer (sister)
• Spouse: Frances Ruth Roche (m. 1954; div. 1969), Raine McCorquodale (m. 1976)
• Children: Lady Elizabeth Sarah Lavinia Spencer, Lady Cynthia Jane Spencer, Hon. John Spencer (deceased), Lady Diana Frances Spencer, Charles Edward Maurice Spencer
• Relationship status: Deceased
• Religion: Anglican
• Ethnicity: White British
• Net worth: $100+ million (modern estimations)

Early Life and Education

Edward John Spencer was born on January 24, 1924, in Bayswater, London, England. He was the only son of Albert Spencer, 7th Earl Spencer, and Lady Cynthia Hamilton.

His upbringing was steeped in British aristocracy, and he was styled Viscount Althorp from birth. Spencer received his education at Eton College, followed by the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and later the Royal Agricultural College.  

Personal Life

In 1954, Spencer married Frances Ruth Roche, daughter of the 4th Baron Fermoy. The couple had five children: Lady Elizabeth Sarah Lavinia Spencer, Lady Cynthia Jane Spencer, Hon. John Spencer (who died shortly after birth), Lady Diana Frances Spencer, and Charles Edward Maurice Spencer.  

The marriage faced challenges, leading to a separation in 1967 and a divorce in 1969. Following the divorce, Spencer was granted custody of the children. In 1976, he married Raine McCorquodale, daughter of novelist Barbara Cartland.

Career

Spencer’s career included military service during World War II, where he served as a captain in the Royal Scots Greys and was mentioned in dispatches for his bravery.  

Post-war, he held various ceremonial roles, including equerry to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. He also served as High Sheriff of Northamptonshire and was a Justice of the Peace for Norfolk.

In 1975, upon his father’s death, he inherited the title of 8th Earl Spencer and took his seat in the House of Lords. Spencer was invested as a Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) in 1954 for his services to the royal family.

Net Worth

Edward John Spencer’s net worth, according to modern estimates, would be around $100 million or more.

Death

Edward John Spencer passed away on March 29, 1992, in London, England, at the age of 68. He died of a heart attack and was laid to rest at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Great Barrington.

Controversy

Spencer’s life was not without controversy. His first marriage to Frances Ruth Roche was tumultuous, with reports of domestic discord. Their daughter, Diana, Princess of Wales, later spoke of witnessing her father slap her mother during arguments.

The couple’s separation and subsequent custody battle were highly publicized, with Spencer ultimately gaining custody of their children. His second marriage to Raine McCorquodale was also met with resistance from his children, particularly Diana, who reportedly had a strained relationship with her stepmother.

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