Earl Charles Spencer

He held many important roles throughout his life, including as an equerry - a senior adviser and attendant - to George VI and, later, Queen Elizabeth. Yet to millions of royal fans around the world, Edward John Spencer was known simply as 'Di's dad'. And for all his many achievements, it was the sight of the 8th Earl bravely walking his youngest daughter down the aisle at St Paul's Cathedral that will remain the lasting memory. Just three years earlier, the Earl had suffered a stroke that left him unsteady on his feet. However, nothing would prevent him playing the part of proud father on July 29 1981, the day Lady Diana Spencer married The Prince of Wales - despite some of those watching questioning whether the frail 57-year-old would even make it all the way down the aisle....read