The Spencer family is known for its strong genes, with Princess Diana having one of the most recognizable faces in the world.
When Prince William was born in 1982, many wondered what the future heir to the throne would look like as he grew up. As he got older, people started comparing him to his mother, noting their similar golden blonde hair and sharp jawlines.
But there’s something else William, 42, inherited from Diana—a piercing, intense stare that can make anyone feel uneasy. Fans of the royal family have called this look the “Spencer stare.” It’s characterized by a deep, intense gaze with lowered eyebrows, usually accompanied by a dignified expression.
One of the most memorable moments of William showing the “Spencer stare” was when he was 15 at his mother’s funeral in September 1997. In a famous photo, he stood beside his uncle, Earl Spencer, gazing into the distance during the somber event.
Many have commented on the striking resemblance between William and his mother. One royal fan pointed out on TikTok that William, Princess Charlotte, and Diana share the same eye shape, with William even having the same eye color as his mother.
+8
The Spencer family is known for its strong genes, with Princess Diana having one of the most recognizable faces in the world. Royal fans have also noticed that William’s children, Princess Charlotte and Prince George, seem to share some of Diana’s traits, particularly her intense gaze.
Videos of the young royals at various events, including King Charles and Queen Camilla’s coronation, show both Charlotte and George exhibiting a similar mesmerizing stare.
At the May 2023 coronation, nine-year-old Princess Charlotte wore a flower crown tiara that closely resembled one worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, making her look like a mini-version of her mother. She also shared some physical traits with her father, William.
Charlotte wore an ivory silk crepe dress and cape, adorned with embroidery featuring symbols of the four nations—rose, thistle, daffodil, and shamrock.
During the event, Charlotte stood tall and proudly guided her brothers into Westminster Abbey. Photos of her showed her gazing into the distance with her large green eyes, and many fans saw a resemblance to Diana.
In some of the videos, fans commented, “She looks so much like Diana” and “It’s fantastic that Princess Charlotte is following in her late grandmother Diana’s footsteps!”
+8
Snaps of Charlotte at the Coronation show her staring into the distance with her large green eyes. As she took it all in, many saw glimpses of Diana in her
+8
One photographer managed to capture Charlotte’s glare perfectly at Trooping the Colour
+8
The Prince of Wales inherited the sharp, intense stare that is enough to make anyone crumble from his mother
Fans have commented on TikTok videos that Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince William look like their grandmother Diana
A third chimed: ‘The little princess looks so much like her grandmother Diana beautiful as ever.’
More recently, Charlotte attended Trooping the Colour alongside her family in June, where she again, matched her outfit with her mother’s ensemble.
One photographer captured her stare perfectly, as she peered straight into the camera lens with a pensive expression.
Her older brother, Prince George, 11, has been compared to his grandma and described as having the ‘Spencer gaze’.
The second-in-line to the throne is frequently likened to his father, as they appeared strikingly similar in their youth.
During Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022, Prince George was photographed with the characteristic stare.
He stood with his younger sister, bravely laying his great-grandmother to rest.
George was photographed at the king’s coronation wearing a scarlet knee-length coat with gold trimmings, which is the traditional costume for the Pages of Honor.
He was spotted clasping his hands in front of him and staring off into the horizon, suggestive of a young William.
+8
Prince George also inherited the stare from his grandmother, Diana. Pictured at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022
+8
During the Coronation, George was seen clasping his hands in front while glaring off into the distance, in scenes reminiscent of a young William
+8
Princess Diana would often be captured with her steely-eyed stare, including the infamous interview she did with Martin Bashir
+8
Australian Elizabeth Debicki came pretty close to embodying Diana’ during her performance as the Princess on The Crown – as she mimicked her stare
Diana, Princess of Wales, would often be captured with her steely-eyed stare, including during the infamous interview she did with Martin Bashir in 1995.
She revealed the details of her and Charles’ tumultuous marriage, including the famous phrase, “There were three of us in the marriage, so it was a bit crowded.”
Diana maintained a stone-faced expression throughout the interview, with the exception of Bashir’s question about whether she ever dreamed she’d be queen.
Wearing a black outfit and dark kohl eyeliner to highlight her piercing blue eyes, the late Princess of Wales glanced at Bashir and murmured, “No.” I want to be the Queen of People’s Hearts. But I do not consider myself as the queen of this country.
The late royal’s characteristics, notably the ‘Spencer look’, appear to be difficult for actresses portraying her. In her role as Diana on The Crown, Australian Elizabeth Debicki came close to portraying the character.
She became so engaged in her character that she told people she struggled to shake her mannerisms.