So many members of the British royal family guard their privacy with great concern — but not Kitty Spencer, the 25-year-old niece of Princess Diana. She's perfectly content to share images of what she's doing and where she's traveling on her Instagram account, giving a special peek into what life is really like when you're related to major royalty.
She's the oldest child of Charles Spencer, Princess Diana's only living brother. Kitty's mother is a former model, now an addiction counselor, named Victoria Lockwood. The family relocated to Johannesburg, South Africa, in the mid-1990s, claiming a desire to escape the media spotlight as the marriage fell apart; Charles and Victoria's eventual 1997 divorce was the subject of many tabloid reports that detailed each party's supposed marital shortcomings. Charles went on to marry two more times, and Victoria's second marriage ended in divorce.
Despite spending many years in South Africa and completing her undergraduate degree there, Kitty decided to return to her home in the United Kingdom. She finished a master's degree course in London, and has since launched a successful career in modeling and on the social circuit. Following the death of Charles and Diana's father Johnny in 1992, Charles became Earl and heir to the sprawling estate of Althrop in the British countryside. It's where both Charles and Diana Spencer grew up, and a special place to which Diana would return often. Now, the massive spread is where Kitty does some of her own entertaining and spends relaxing weekends.
Kitty's aristicratic designation is that of "Lady," which ranks below the more regal titles of her Prince cousins, William and Harry, and William's two children. Nonetheless, Kitty's high-profile relations and her family's long history make her a must get at fashion shows and fancy parties. We've rounded up 15 reasons her Instagram account offers an unprecedented look into the royal lifestyle — we think you'll be pretty intrigued, too.
Kitty's known to attend galas at glittering locations like Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, England.
Kitty shared a peek of her prominent placement at her modeling agency, Storm.
Kitty's mom Victoria Lockwood was a model as well; her marriage to Earl Spencer lasted from 1989 to 1997.
The Spencer family call the grand Althorp estate home. Kitty's relatives have been based in the home for over 500 years. The spread boasts 13,000 acres, 28 buildings, and one grand main home.
Kitty shared a photo from inside the ultra-exclusive members club Lou Lou's.
Kitty prefers her jewels from Carat London.
Kitty's social status grants the the designation of "Lady" — but she looked more like a princess at a gala in Italy.
Her friends on the social circuit include stars of Downton Abbey and Guy Ritchie's wife, Jacqui.
Kitty loves a good fashion show and knows all the right brands, including buzzy British shoe line Malone Souliers.
Kitty gave a peek into one perfect-looking getaway in Australia.
She frequently posts photos of herself with her well-to-do boyfriend Niccolo Barattieri di San Pietro, a former hedge funder and current property entrepreneur who is twenty years her senior.
In 2015, Kitty traveled to Australia to watch a horse race.
How cute is this throwback, from the luggage to the furniture?
Because, of course.
Kitty's social circle extends to actors, business people, and beyond. She snapped a photo with Alice Naylor-Leyland, a socialite and blogger who is a part of one of Britain's largest landowning families.