Princess Diana’s brother Charles Spencer praised Kristen Stewart’s portrayal of the late princess in the film Spencer, highlighting her ability to capture Diana’s essence despite not resembling her physically.
Charles Spencer’s Reaction to Kristen Stewart’s Performance
Charles Spencer recently shared his thoughts on Kristen Stewart’s role as Princess Diana in the film Spencer. While he was critical of the film itself, he expressed genuine admiration for Stewart’s performance. Spencer said Stewart “doesn’t really look like Diana,” but added, “My goodness, she caught the spirit,” calling her performance “incredible.” He described the film as “terrible” but said Stewart had nailed the deeper portrayal of his sister.
Understanding Diana Through Stewart’s Performance
Spencer explained that Stewart’s portrayal went beyond appearance, capturing the personal qualities of Diana that fascinated him. His comments carry weight, as he knew Diana personally long before she became a global icon. The film itself is not a traditional biopic but focuses on a few days during the royal family’s 1991 Christmas gathering, imagining Diana’s inner emotional turmoil.
Kristen Stewart’s Connection to Diana
Stewart’s performance drew much attention for how she adopted Diana’s voice, mannerisms, and body language, depicting a more intimate and intense version of the princess. Stewart has spoken about developing a deep emotional connection to Diana during filming, describing the process as a “full-body exercise” to understand her distinctive behavior.
She told The Guardian she believed in a “lingering energy” of Diana and “took her in.” Even years after filming, Stewart said in a 2026 interview that she still felt “haunted” by Diana and could cry about her at any moment.
Lasting Impact of the Role
Stewart’s emotional connection was visible when she first saw the film Spencer, saying she couldn’t stop crying and felt the loss of Diana “so intently.” On set, Stewart often felt so connected to Diana that the boundaries between herself and the character blurred.
Charles Spencer’s praise highlights the difference between the film’s story and Stewart’s acting. Though he dismissed the film itself, his recognition of Stewart’s ability to capture Diana’s “spirit” stands out as a significant compliment. For Stewart, Diana remains a character she continues to speak about with deep emotion.
Ultimately, Stewart’s months of studying Diana’s voice, movement, and mannerisms aimed to reveal the woman behind the public image. According to Charles Spencer, she succeeded in capturing more than just the outward appearance.
