Princess Diana's brother Charles Spencer has spoken about what it was like to have a privileged upbringing – and how his nephews Princes William and Harry have turned out to be the kind, compassionate and ambitious adults that they are.
Diana, Charles and their two other siblings Sarah and Jane were born into an aristocratic family with royal ancestry.
The late Diana became styled as Lady Diana Spencer after her father inherited the title of Earl Spencer in 1975, while Charles is known as the 9th Earl Spencer.
© Photo: Getty Images"We want them to find their own way," said Princess Diana's brother Charles Spencer of raising royal children
Speaking to Oprah in a televised interview, Charles, 50, discussed the challenge of raising a royal child, such as his nephews William and Harry.
"We want them to find their own way," he said. "And you don't want to disable them by giving them too much."
The broadcaster opened up about his and Diana's background, saying: "My mother always knew what was coming my way and she said 'You have to work, you'll never be happy if you don't work.'
"My father didn't work but I don't blame him for that, because it would have been very odd if he had [because of the attitude of the time]. If he had been going into the City of London as a banker or something, people might have thought, 'Well, has he fallen on hard times?' It was a face-saving thing."
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrincess Diana pictured with Harry and William in 1986
"Because Earls don't work, just like Princes don't work and Kings don't work," quipped Oprah, to which Charles laughed.
"Well they should and I have to say I really get a lot out of my work, it really matters to me. I always tell me children, 'You've got to find your own way and only then will you find true happiness.'"
© Photo: Getty ImagesCharles Spencer admitted that his father didn't work because of the attitude of the time
Charles' words come at a particularly fitting time as William, 32, prepares to welcome his second royal baby with his wife the Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton.
William and Kate have been hailed as hands-on, modern parents, who may have a nanny for their firstborn Prince George, but they don't rely on her completely. The normalcy with which the couple are trying to raise George is seen as a testament to the late Princess Diana's values.
Like his uncle Charles Spencer, William can see the importance of having a steady job. The Duke has just started training to become a pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, a full-time role he will begin in the summer.
