Fire at former home of Princess Diana in Northamptonshire
Her brother Earl Spencer suggested it was an arson attack which burnt down an unoccupied two storey farm building at Althorp House.
Last updated 28th May 2025
An apparent arson attack on a farmhouse at Princess Diana's former home in Northamptonshire has left her family devastated.
Her brother Charles Spencer said he was 'stunned' at the incident at Althorp House, which started in the early hours of this morning Wednesday 28 May.
Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue say they were called at around 1:30am and that at the height of the fire, four crews wearing breathing apparatus used hose-reel jets to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.
One crew remained on the scene into this afternoon with a water bowser to continue dampening down any remaining hotspots, and then returned to their station shortly before 1pm.
In a post on X the estate's long-standing head gamekeeper Adey Greeno said due to the damage the 18th century building would have to be destroyed.
The former home to Princess Diana is also where she is buried.
It's the second recent fire on the grounds, with a fire at an empty unit on the grounds in September 2024.
Police Investigation
Northamptonshire Police say they are investigating the incident as a suspected arson.
They say they believe it was started deliberately. However, the exact cause is yet to be determined.
In a statement the force say:
"Due to the secluded location of the building, officers would like to hear from anyone who may have seen any activity near to the farmhouse prior to the fire being discovered shortly before 1.30am today.
Anyone with information should call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Firestoppers anonymously on 0800 169 5558.
Information can also be submitted online at www.northants.police.uk/RO and Firestoppers.
Please quote incident number 25000308579 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible."