When people think of Princess Diana, they often picture the “People’s Princess,” beloved around the world for her compassion and style. But behind Diana’s remarkable life stood her mother, Frances Ruth Roche—later known as Frances Shand Kydd. Born into British aristocracy, Frances lived a life full of privilege, heartbreak, resilience, and reinvention. She was not just the mother of Diana, Princess of Wales, but also a figure who lived her own turbulent journey—marked by aristocratic expectations, high-profile marriages, and later, a quieter life of faith and charity.
This article explores who Frances Ruth Roche was, her young years, her marriages, her children, and her family legacy. We will also cover her birthday, age, and final years, drawing together a complete picture of the woman who shaped one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century.
Early Life of Frances Ruth Roche
Birth and Family Background
Frances Ruth Burke Roche was born on 20 January 1936, at Park House, Sandringham, Norfolk—an estate owned by the British royal family. Remarkably, her birth coincided with the death of King George V, a symbolic connection to royalty that foreshadowed her family’s proximity to the monarchy.
Her parents were influential figures:
- Maurice Roche, 4th Baron Fermoy, an Irish peer and prominent member of the British aristocracy.
- Ruth Sylvia Gill, Baroness Fermoy, who was a close confidante and lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
This lineage ensured Frances grew up in the heart of British high society. From a young age, she was immersed in the traditions, expectations, and responsibilities of aristocracy.
Frances Ruth Roche Young
As a young woman, Frances was known for her elegance, confidence, and beauty. She attended elite social gatherings and, like many women of her social circle, was expected to make a beneficial marriage that would strengthen aristocratic alliances. At just 18 years old, she married into one of Britain’s most prestigious families, setting the stage for both privilege and turmoil in her personal life.
Marriage to John Spencer, Viscount Althorp
On 1 June 1954, Frances married John Spencer, Viscount Althorp, who would later become the 8th Earl Spencer. The wedding, held at Westminster Abbey, was a glamorous event attended by Queen Elizabeth II and other royals. It was described as the “social event of the year.”
The Children of Frances Ruth Roche
Frances and John had five children:
Lady Sarah McCorquodale – born 19 March 1955.
Lady Jane Fellowes – born 11 February 1957.
John Spencer – born 12 January 1960, tragically died within hours of birth.
Diana Frances Spencer – born 1 July 1961, later Princess of Wales.
Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer – born 20 May 1964.
Her daughter Diana would become one of the most famous women in the world, but Frances’s own life was already entwined with aristocratic history.
Marital Struggles
Although their marriage appeared glamorous on the outside, Frances and John’s relationship was troubled. Reports later revealed that the union was unhappy, marked by emotional strain and conflict. Frances eventually left the marriage, beginning a controversial chapter in her life.
Divorce and Second Marriage
Separation and Court Battles
In 1967, Frances left John Spencer after beginning a relationship with Peter Shand Kydd, the wealthy heir to a wallpaper business fortune. Their separation caused a scandal in British high society. In the subsequent divorce proceedings of 1969, Frances lost custody of her children—a devastating blow—partly due to her mother, Lady Fermoy, testifying against her. This moment was a turning point in Frances’s life, as she was effectively separated from the day-to-day upbringing of her children.
Marriage to Peter Shand Kydd
In May 1969, Frances married Peter Shand Kydd. They lived in Scotland on the Isle of Seil, at Ardencaple House. For a time, Frances attempted to build a quieter life away from the glare of London society. However, this second marriage also eventually faltered, ending in separation in the late 1980s and divorce by 1988.
Later Years: Faith, Family, and Struggles
After her second marriage ended, Frances withdrew further from public society. She converted to Catholicism and began to focus her energy on charitable work—supporting causes such as aid for fishermen, Catholic charities, and animal welfare organizations.
Relationship with Princess Diana
Frances’s relationship with her most famous daughter, Diana, was complex. At times, it was strained due to family disputes and personal differences. However, despite ups and downs, Diana’s tragic death in 1997 profoundly affected Frances, who grieved deeply and retreated even more into private life.
Final Years and Death
Frances suffered from health issues, including Parkinson’s disease and brain cancer. She passed away on 3 June 2004, at the age of 68, in Scotland. Her funeral was held at the Cathedral of St. Columba in Oban, attended by her grandchildren, Prince William and Prince Harry, who gave her a final farewell. She was laid to rest in Pennyfuir Cemetery, near Oban.
Frances Ruth Roche’s Family Legacy
The legacy of Frances Ruth Roche is inseparable from her family. Through her children, particularly Diana, her life is intertwined with modern British history. While Diana’s legacy is celebrated globally, Frances’s own journey reflects the challenges of aristocratic women navigating duty, motherhood, personal happiness, and societal expectation.
Her story is not merely that of “Princess Diana’s mother,” but of a woman born into privilege who endured public scandal, heartbreak, and reinvention. She exemplifies resilience and the quiet dignity of finding peace through faith and charity in later life.
Key Facts: Frances Ruth Roche
- Full Name: Frances Ruth Burke Roche (later Shand Kydd).
- Birthday: 20 January 1936.
- Age at Death: 68 years.
- Parents: Maurice Roche, 4th Baron Fermoy & Ruth Sylvia Gill, Baroness Fermoy.
- First Husband: John Spencer, Viscount Althorp (later 8th Earl Spencer).
- Second Husband: Peter Shand Kydd.
- Children: Lady Sarah, Lady Jane, John (died in infancy), Diana, and Charles.
- Death: 3 June 2004, Oban, Scotland.
Conclusion
Frances Ruth Roche’s life was one of contrasts—aristocratic beginnings, glittering weddings, heartbreaking losses, and a final turn toward faith and simplicity. As the mother of Princess Diana, her name is etched into history, but her personal journey deserves recognition in its own right. Frances was a woman who endured personal struggles while being part of one of the most influential families in Britain. Her story remains a reminder of the human complexities behind aristocratic titles.
For more such in-depth biographies and historical insights, visit my blog Infory—where stories of people who shaped history are explored in detail.