Lady Sarah McCorquodale, the eldest sister of the late Princess Diana, has been seriously injured in a horse-riding accident. The 70-year-old has been hospitalized for several weeks following the incident, which was confirmed by her brother, Charles Spencer, during a recent podcast interview. The accident highlights the ongoing challenges and public attention faced by Diana’s immediate family.
Earl Spencer shared the news on the podcast Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth, describing the fall as “really bad” and noting that his sister’s recovery has been challenging. He added a touch of humor to the somber news, revealing that hospital staff have found Lady Sarah to be a “demanding patient.” The lead doctor reportedly told her husband, Neil McCorquodale, “She’s quite a character, isn’t she?”—a comment Earl Spencer interpreted as a diplomatic request for her eventual discharge.
Lady Sarah holds a unique place in royal history. Before her sister’s famous marriage, she briefly dated the then-Prince Charles and is credited with having facilitated his introduction to Diana. As the maternal aunt to Prince William and Prince Harry, she has maintained a connection to the royal family while largely leading a private life out of the spotlight, in contrast to her younger sister’s global fame.
The revelation of her accident comes as the Spencer family continues to navigate the public’s enduring fascination with Princess Diana’s legacy. During the same podcast, Earl Spencer expressed the difficulty of strangers approaching him to share their memories of the day Diana died. As Lady Sarah focuses on her recovery, her family’s history remains a subject of public reflection, underscoring the lasting impact of a tragedy that continues to resonate nearly three decades later.
