Lady Sarah McCorquodale, the eldest sister of the late Princess Diana, is recovering after a serious fall from her horse last month. The 70-year-old, known for her resilience and strong character, was hospitalized following the accident, which left her with significant injuries. Her brother, Charles Spencer, shared the news during a recent appearance on the Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth podcast, on October 24, providing a candid update on Sarah’s condition. He described how his sister had been “quite a handful” as a patient, quoting the lead doctor’s comment to her husband, Neil McCorquodale, saying, “She’s quite a character, isn’t she?” Charles humorously added that this was likely code for, “Could you take her home?”
Despite her injuries, Charles noted that Sarah is “on the mend,” and her recovery continues to make progress. A friend also confirmed to PEOPLE that she is gradually regaining her strength. Sarah’s longstanding love of riding has been part of her identity for years, and even at 70, she continues to ride, showcasing her spirit and determination.
Charles also shared a glimpse into his childhood relationship with Sarah, recalling her as someone who was always “in trouble.” He fondly remembered a rebellious moment when Sarah, in the midst of an argument with their father, decided to ride her horse into the hall of their family’s stately home, Althorp. “It was a brilliant gesture because what are you going to do with that?” he quipped, highlighting Sarah’s bold personality.
Despite the challenges she faced as a child, Sarah has remained close to her siblings, especially her nephews, Prince William and Prince Harry. In September 2024, she made a rare appearance with William at RAF Cranwell, where the Prince of Wales was honoring graduates at the flight training school. The event marked a special occasion as Sarah showed her continued support for William and his royal duties.
Lady Sarah’s connection to the royal family also extended to the commissioning and unveiling of the statue in tribute to her late sister, Princess Diana, in 2021. Along with her siblings, she played an integral role in the project that culminated in the statue’s unveiling on what would have been Diana’s 60th birthday. The ceremony was a poignant moment for the family, especially as Harry had returned from California to join his brother William in commemorating their mother’s legacy.
In addition to her role in the statue’s creation, Lady Sarah has also been present for significant family events. In 2019, she and her sister Lady Jane Fellowes attended the christening of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s son, Archie, at Windsor. These public moments showcase Sarah’s enduring relationship with her royal family, even as she maintains a quieter, private life compared to her more public siblings.
Reflecting on his own role in royal history, Charles Spencer also shared a personal moment from his life—writing one of the most memorable eulogies of the last century. He recalled the difficulty he faced in finding someone to deliver his sister Diana’s eulogy after her tragic death in 1997. As he flipped through his address book without finding the right person, Charles had a realization and phoned his mother. “I said, ‘I can’t think who’s going to give the eulogy. And I’ve got an awful feeling it’s going to have to be me.’” To his surprise, his mother and sisters had already made the decision, leaving Charles to deliver a speech that would go down in history as one of the most moving tributes ever made.
Through it all, Lady Sarah McCorquodale’s strength and close bond with her family continue to shine through, even in the face of adversity. As she recovers from her fall, her story remains intertwined with the legacy of her sister, Princess Diana, and the royal family’s ongoing journey.
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