Dreadful Facts About Diana Russell, The Original “Lady Di”
Lady Diana Spencer captured the hearts and minds of millions across the globe before a dreadful accident claimed her life too soon. But two and half centuries earlier, another Lady Diana had the world eating out of the palm of her pretty little palm.
Clearly, however, the Fates don’t favor anyone named Lady Diana.
1. She Came From A Powerful Family
Diana Russell, Duchess of Bedford was born as the youngest member of the illustrious Spencer family in July of 1710. Her father was Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland, but it was really her mother, Anne Spencer, who had all of the right royal connections. Sadly, no amount of favoritism would save her from a tragic life.
2. Her Name Is A Bad Omen
When she was just a baby, the Spencer family gave Diana the affectionate nickname, “dear little Di”. That nickname might sound familiar for good—and very ominous—reasons. Diana wasn't just a direct ancestor of the tragically-fated Lady Diana Spencer, she was actually her namesake. As we'll see, that wasn't all they shared.
3. She Was The Favorite
Despite her ultimate fate, Diana's early childhood was actually mostly sunshine and rainbows. As the baby of the family, she was firmly the favorite child. In fact, her mother Anne had also been the favorite child of her own mother, the powerful Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, who was herself Queen Anne’s favorite courtier.
But coming from a long line of favorites meant nothing when tragedy finally did strike.
4. Her Mother Left Her
Diana's misfortunes started pretty early on—and then just kept coming. Only a few months before her sixth birthday, she got horrific news. Her mother passed away. The Countess was only 33 years old at the time, and her unexpected and sudden passing left "little Di” without a loving mother. But things didn't stay this way for long.
