If you're a royal fan and would think you'd enjoy checking out Princess Diana’s childhood home, you'll be able to visit the Althorp Estate in England this summer.
An exhibition called Animals of Althorp will take place throughout July and August at the Northampton estate, which is home to Earl and Countess Spencer, Diana’s brother Charles and his wife Karen. The Spencer family arrived with their flocks of sheep to the area in 1486, and built their home, Althorp House, there in 1508 on 550-acre grounds.
The exhibition tells the story of the estate's many animals and the mark they left upon the family’s history. It features a pastel likeness of Princess Diana's beloved cat Marmalade, drawn by Polish society artist, Aniela Pawlikowska, who frequently drew the Princess of Wales and her siblings as children. Home to a fine private collection of furniture, art and ceramics, visitors can explore a collection of artefacts situated in the Stables Courtyard.
They can also enjoy a trail through Althorp House, with an Animals of Althorp guided map highlighting key exhibition pieces, including a number of original portraits, artworks and antiques. Princess Diana is buried on an island in the estate's lake, known as The Round Oval. Although visitors will not be permitted to visit her grave, they will be able to visit a memorial on the property.
The exhibition can be enjoyed during Althorp’s House opening season, which takes place between July 1 and August 31. Guests can also visit Althorp’s café and gift shop, and picnics are permitted in the dedicated woodland outdoor dining area. House tickets including entry to the new Animals of Althorp exhibition are available online here.
