Charles Spencer: Stewart Captured Diana's Soul, Not Her Looks

Charles Spencer, the brother of Princess Diana, shared his candid assessment of Kristen Stewart's performance in the 2021 film 'Spencer.' Spencer admitted that while Stewart did not physically resemble his sister, she remarkably captured Diana's essence. He described Stewart's portrayal as "incredible" and stated that she "caught the spirit."

Despite his praise for Stewart's acting, Spencer was critical of the film's overall quality, declaring it "terrible." He expressed intrigue at how well Stewart understood Diana as a person, finding her ability to capture his sister's persona "really intriguing."

The film 'Spencer,' directed by Pablo Larraín, is not a traditional biopic. It focuses on a fictionalized account of Princess Diana's emotional state during the royal family's Christmas gathering in 1991, amidst the breakdown of her marriage.

Stewart's performance was a significant aspect of the film, involving her adoption of Diana's voice, mannerisms, and body language to convey an intimate and psychologically intense character. Stewart herself noted a deep emotional connection to the role, describing the process as physically demanding and feeling a "lingering energy."

Years after filming, Stewart continued to express the profound impact of playing Diana, mentioning in February 2026 that she still felt "haunted" by the princess. She described feeling Diana's loss intensely and being able to cry about her at any moment, indicating a lasting emotional resonance from the role.