Lady Kitty Spencer Explained

Lady Kitty Spencer
Birth Date:1990 12, df=yes
Birth Place:St Mary's Hospital, London, England
Education:Reddam House
Occupation:Model
Family:Spencer
Father:Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer
Mother:Victoria Lockwood
Children:1

Lady Catherine “Kitty” Eleanor Lewis (née Spencer; born 28 December 1990) is a British model and aristocrat. She is the eldest child of Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, niece of Diana, Princess of Wales and the first cousin of William, Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. Spencer is the spokesmodel for jewellery brand Bulgari and fashion company Dolce & Gabbana.

Early life and education

Spencer was born on 28 December 1990 at St Mary's Hospital, London[1] to Charles Spencer, Viscount Althorp (later the 9th Earl Spencer) and Victoria Lockwood.[2] She is a member of the Spencer family, an English noble family that holds multiple peerages.[3] Spencer has three younger siblings and four younger half-siblings through her father's second marriage to Caroline Freud and third marriage to Karen Gordon and her mother's second marriage to Jonathan Aitken.[4] [5] Her paternal aunt was Diana, Princess of Wales.[6] [7] She is a first cousin of William, Prince of Wales, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.[8] [9]

She was raised in Cape Town, South Africa, where she attended Reddam House, a private school.[10] After her parents divorced in 1997, Spencer spent her time between her native United Kingdom with her father and South Africa with her mother.[11]

In 2009 Spencer was presented as a debutante at the Hôtel de Crillon's le Bal des Débutantes in Paris.[12] Spencer studied psychology, politics, and English literature at the University of Cape Town.[13] She later studied art history and Italian in Florence, Italy, before completing a master's degree in luxury brand management from the European Business School London at Regent's University London.[11] [14] [15]

Career

In 1992, when Spencer was one year old, she appeared with her mother on the cover of Harper's Bazaar UK.[16] Spencer is signed with Storm Model Management,[17] [18] and made her professional modelling debut in 2015 in the December issue of Tatler.[6] In September 2017 she walked for Dolce & Gabbana in a fashion show during Milan Fashion Week.[19] She was the 2017 June covergirl of Hello Fashion Monthly, and was featured on the cover of Vogue Japan.[20] [21] She walked the runway for Dolce & Gabbana in their 2017 Christmas show at Harrods.[20] [22] In 2018, Spencer was a featured model in Dolce & Gabbana's Venetian spring/summer print campaign.[23] [24] [25] During 2018 Milan Fashion Week Spencer walked in Dolce & Gabbana's Secrets & Diamonds fashion show.[26] [27] [28] [29]

In May 2018 Bulgari announced that Spencer would be the new face of the jewellery brand,[30] working as their newest brand ambassador.[31] She had previously modelled for the jewellery designer, modelling the brand's Diva's Dream diamond necklace.[31]

On 23 September 2018, Spencer walked in a fashion show in Milan for Dolce & Gabbana's Spring 2019 collection. She also appeared in editorials for Marie Claire Spain and Elle Russia, and graced the covers of L'Officiel Brazil and Tatler, the latter alongside Helena Christensen.[32] [33] She was officially announced as a brand ambassador for Dolce & Gabbana in February 2021.[34]

Personal life

Although Lady Kitty is the 9th Earl Spencer's firstborn child, the title and family estates, Althorp and Spencer House, will pass to her younger brother, Viscount Althorp, due to male primogeniture, as specified for the remainder of the Earldom of Spencer.[35] Spencer expressed her personal belief in gender equality, while also stating that she believes her brother should inherit.[36] [37] [38]

In January 2020, Spencer announced her engagement to the 61-year-old South African-British multimillionaire businessman, Michael Lewis, chairman of fashion company Foschini Group.[39] [40] They married in Frascati at the Villa Aldobrandini on 24 July 2021.[41] Her wedding dress, a lace, long-sleeved Victorian-inspired gown, was designed by Dolce & Gabbana.[42] The company designed five custom dresses in total for the celebrations, which took place over the course of three days.[43] [44] Spencer has three adult stepchildren from her husband's previous marriage.[40] [45] Spencer and Lewis have one daughter together, born in 2023.[46]

Spencer is an ambassador for Centrepoint, a charity that supports homeless young people. Her aunt Diana, Princess of Wales, was formerly Centrepoint's patron.[11] [47] [48] [49] She is also a trustee and patron for the military charity Give Us Time.[50] [51] In June 2017 Spencer helped raise £140,000 for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.[31] [52] She also has raised funds for Save the Children.[31]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Princess Diana's Niece Is A Fashionista In Her Own Right. 31 December 2021. news.yahoo.com. 9 August 2021. en-US. 31 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211231170240/https://news.yahoo.com/princess-diana-niece-fashionista-her-140516786.html. live.
  2. Web site: Royal wedding clash of the titles! Spencers vs. Parker Bowles. Calvi. Nuala. 25 April 2011. CNN. 28 May 2018. 11 September 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170911074954/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/04/18/royal.wedding.invite.list/index.html. live.
  3. Moncreiffe of that Ilk, Sir Iain (1982).Royal Highness. London: Hamish Hamilton. p. 38.
  4. News: Lady Kitty Spencer, Princess Diana's niece: I won't let weight worries consume me — and young women should feel the same. Doughty. Eleanor. 11 June 2016. The Telegraph. 28 May 2018. 10 July 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190710140032/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/life/princess-dianas-lookalike-niece-lady-kitty-spencer-on-her-friend/. live.
  5. Web site: Spencer, Earl (GB, 1765). Cracroft's Peerage. Heraldic Media Limited. 28 May 2018. 4 November 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211104210816/http://www.cracroftspeerage.co.uk/spencer1765.htm. live.
  6. Princess Diana's Niece Steps into the Spotlight. Gonzales. Erica. 1 December 2015. Town & Country. Hearst Communications, Inc.. 28 May 2018. 17 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180617042911/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a4458/lady-kitty-spencer-princess-diana-niece/. live.
  7. News: Interview with Diana's niece, Lady Kitty Spencer: 'I've had curveballs thrown at me'. The Sunday Times. 10 September 2017. 4 March 2018. 1 March 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180301164835/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/interview-with-diana-s-niece-lady-kitty-spencer-i-ve-had-curveballs-thrown-at-me-nld9fql7r/. live.
  8. News: Milan Fashion Week: Dolce & Gabbana sends drones down the runway. Associated Press. 28 February 2018. South China Morning Post. 28 May 2018. 17 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180617015452/http://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion-beauty/article/2134878/milan-fashion-week-dolce-gabbana-sends-drones-down. live.
  9. News: Mountford. Jane. Dior Cruise 17 Collection Video And Attendees: The Weeknd, Kiernan Shipka, Lady Kitty Spencer. 19 February 2017. Fashion Times. 1 June 2016. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20170220093237/http://www.fashiontimes.com/articles/26411/20160601/dior-cruise-17-collection-video-and-attendees-the-weeknd-kiernan-shipka-lady-kitty-spencer.htm. 20 February 2017.
  10. News: Binding. Lucia. Who is Lady Kitty Spencer? Glamorous Instagram star finally speaks about aunt Princess Diana's death. International Business Times. 14 September 2016. 28 May 2018. 23 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180523095425/https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/who-lady-kitty-spencer-glamorous-instagram-star-finally-speaks-aunt-princess-dianas-death-1581370. live.
  11. Web site: Lady Kitty Spencer: Princess Diana's 25-Year-Old, Instagram-Obsessed Niece. Duboff. Josh. 13 September 2016. Vanity Fair. 4 March 2018. 11 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171211210001/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/09/lady-kitty-spencer-princess-diana-niece-interview. live.
  12. Web site: The Crillon Ball: 24 Princess Gowns and One Lady. 3 December 2009. Vanity Fair. 4 March 2018. 14 July 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160714002119/http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2009/12/the-crillon-ball-celebrates-24-princesses-and-one-lady. live.
  13. News: Walker. Tim. Lady Kitty Spencer says: I'm not going to be a geek. The Telegraph. 12 July 2009. 28 May 2015. 1 March 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180301164421/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/5811189/Lady-Kitty-Spencer-says-Im-not-going-to-be-a-geek.html. live.
  14. News: Inside the insanely decadent life of Lady Kitty Spencer – Princess Diana's niece. National Post. 27 October 2015. 28 May 2018. 11 March 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240311142915/https://nationalpost.com/news/world/inside-the-insanely-decadent-life-of-lady-kitty-spencer-princess-dianas-niece. live.
  15. Web site: Lady Kitty Spencer more than just Princess Diana's niece. Hosking. Julie. 20 March 2017. The West Australian. 28 May 2018. 23 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180523011050/https://thewest.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/lady-kitty-spencer-more-than-just-princess-dianas-niece-ng-b88421753z. live.
  16. Web site: Princess Diana's 27-year-old niece Lady Kitty Spencer is a model — and she's taking the fashion world by storm. Opelka. Brenna. 16 March 2018. Insider. 28 May 2018. 29 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180529211758/http://www.thisisinsider.com/lady-kitty-spencer-princess-diana-niece-model-2018-2. live.
  17. Web site: Princess Diana's Niece Is Making Waves in the Fashion Industry — and She's Just Getting Started. Le Caer. Morgane. 27 May 2018. Popsugar. 28 May 2018. 21 August 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180821160424/https://www.popsugar.com/fashion/Kitty-Spencer-Style-Modeling-Career-44624441?stream_view=1#photo-44624486. live.
  18. Web site: Kitty Spencer. Storm. 28 May 2018. 15 February 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190215121946/https://www.stormmanagement.com/artists/kitty-spencer/. live.
  19. Web site: Princess Diana's niece walks the runway for Dolce & Gabbana — see the photos!. Lowe. Lindsay. 7 November 2017. Today. 28 May 2018. 13 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180613065417/https://www.today.com/style/lady-kitty-spencer-prince-diana-s-niece-models-dolce-gabbana-t118472. live.
  20. Pixie Lott and Lady Kitty Spencer join star-studded Dolce & Gabbana show at Harrods. 4 November 2017. Hello!. 28 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20180301104138/https://fashion.hellomagazine.com/fashion-news/201711047565/lady-kitty-spencer-pixie-lott-stars-dolce-gabbana-harrods-show/. 1 March 2018. dead.
  21. Web site: Vogue Japan August 2017 Cover. models.com. 28 May 2018. 23 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180523012513/https://models.com/work/vogue-japan-vogue-japan-august-2017-cover. live.
  22. Web site: Lady Kitty Spencer, Princess Diana's Niece, Walks Runway For Dolce & Gabbana. Ledbetter. Carly. 3 November 2017. Huffington Post. 28 May 2018. 29 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180529020059/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lady-kitty-spencer-princess-dianas-niece-walks-for-dolce-gabbana_us_59fc7541e4b0b0c7fa399c44. live.
  23. Princess Diana's Niece Lady Kitty Spencer Stars in New Dolce & Gabbana Campaign. Maloney. Maggie. 12 January 2018. Town & Country. 28 May 2018. 18 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180618025528/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a15071373/princess-diana-niece-lady-kitty-spencer-dolce-and-gabbana-campaign/. live.
  24. News: DOLCE & GABBANA AND ITS MILLENNIALS PACKED UP FOR VENICE FOR ITS SPRING 2018 CAMPAIGN. Brannigan. Maura. 10 January 2018. Fashionista. 28 May 2018. 28 February 2018. 7 June 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200607235705/https://fashionista.com/2018/01/dolce-gabbana-spring-2018-ad-campaign. live.
  25. Web site: Dolce & Gabbana Women Summer 2018: Advertising Campaign | Dolce & Gabbana. Dolce & Gabbana. 28 February 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180301044556/http://www.dolcegabbana.com/woman/advertising-campaign/. 1 March 2018. dead.
  26. Web site: Princess Diana's Niece Just Walked the Dolce & Gabbana Runway. Maloney. Maggie. 26 February 2018. Town & Country. 28 May 2018. 1 March 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180301044706/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/fashion-trends/a18720347/kitty-spencer-royals-fashion-week/. live.
  27. Web site: Princess Diana's Look-Alike Niece Was the Breakout Model of This Fashion Show. Whittaker. Alexander. 26 February 2018. InStyle.com. 28 May 2018. 3 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180603123613/http://www.instyle.com/news/princess-diana-niece. live.
  28. Web site: Young royals headline catwalk for Dolce & Gabbana Milan show. Brown. Vanessa. 26 February 2018. news.com.au. 28 May 2018. 23 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180523112345/http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/people/young-royals-headline-catwalk-for-dolce-gabbana-milan-show/news-story/4e2f4ee3cb90560162906cdbb141e010. live.
  29. Web site: Lady Kitty Spencer and British Model-Aristos Walk Dolce & Gabbana's "Secrets & Diamonds" Show in Milan. Phelps. Nicole. 25 February 2018. Vogue. 28 May 2018. 10 November 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191110140303/https://www.vogue.com/article/dolce-gabbana-secrets-and-diamonds-show-eveningwear. live.
  30. Web site: Lady Kitty Spencer has some exciting news!. Sutcliffe. Laura. 25 May 2018. Hello!. 28 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180624143431/https://fashion.hellomagazine.com/fashion-news/201805258800/lady-kitty-spencer-new-uk-face-of-bulgari/. 24 June 2018. dead.
  31. Lady Kitty Spencer has been hired as Bulgari's new ambassador. 25 May 2018. Harper's Bazaar. 28 May 2018. 10 November 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191110134756/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/jewellery-watches/a20913100/lady-kitty-spencer-bulgari-ambassador/. live.
  32. Web site: Princess Diana's Niece Lady Kitty Spencer Just Walked in the Dolce & Gabbana Show. Kara. Thompson. 24 September 2018. Town & Country. 26 September 2018. 27 September 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180927050122/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/fashion-trends/a23397703/lady-kitty-spencer-dolce-and-gabbana-spring-2019-show/. live.
  33. Web site: Wait til you see the pictures of Lady Kitty Spencer taking over the catwalk – she looks insane. 24 September 2018. HELLO!. 26 September 2018. 10 November 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191110134756/https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/royal-style/2018092462645/lady-kitty-spencer-outfit-details-dolce-and-gabbana-dress-instagram/. live.
  34. Dolce & Gabbana names Lady Kitty Spencer as global ambassador . Harper's Bazaar . 19 February 2021 . 28 July 2021 . 28 July 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210728202320/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/fashion-news/a35559104/dolce-and-gabbana-lady-kitty-spencer-global-ambassador/ . live .
  35. News: Furness. Hanna. Leaving aristocratic estates to sons works, Earl Spencer says. The Telegraph. 10 May 2015. 28 May 2018. 11 July 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220711114933/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/11595704/Leaving-aristocratic-estates-to-sons-works-Earl-Spencer-says.html. live.
  36. News: Lady Kitty Spencer: 'It's better that my younger brother inherits Althorp, so that it stays under the family name'. The Telegraph. 26 October 2015. 28 May 2018. 10 November 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191110134756/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/11953676/Lady-Kitty-Spencer-Its-better-that-my-younger-brother-inherits-Althorp-so-that-it-stays-under-the-family-name.html. live.
  37. News: Faderugao. Maricris. Lady Kitty 'not really royal' and not entitled to inheritance. International Business Times. 3 December 2015. 28 May 2018. 1 March 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180301224929/http://www.ibtimes.com.au/lady-kitty-not-really-royal-not-entitled-inheritance-1488926. live.
  38. Princess Diana's niece says it's 'correct' for younger brother to inherit family estate. Hello!. 27 October 2015. 28 May 2018. 18 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180618080213/https://us.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/2015102727910/lady-kitty-spencer-althorp-house/. live.
  39. Web site: Boak . Josh . Engaged to Jewish tycoon, Princess Diana's niece set to convert . The Times of Israel . 16 February 2020 . 26 April 2020 . 3 April 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200403005101/https://www.timesofisrael.com/engaged-to-jewish-tycoon-princess-dianas-niece-set-to-convert/ . live .
  40. News: Cope . Rebecca . Lady Kitty Spencer is engaged to her fashion tycoon boyfriend . 7 January 2020 . Tatler . 6 January 2020 . 6 January 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200106140553/https://www.tatler.com/article/lady-kitty-spencer-engaged-michael-lewis . live .
  41. Web site: Dolce & Gabbana on creating Lady Kitty Spencer's stunning wedding dress. Tatler. Chandler. Tregaskes. 25 July 2021. 25 July 2021. 25 July 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210725144501/https://www.tatler.com/article/lady-kitty-spencer-wedding-dress-designer-dolce-and-gabbana. live.
  42. Kirkpatrick . Emily . Princess Diana's Niece Lady Kitty Spencer Wore Five Wedding Dresses to Marry Multi-Millionaire Michael Lewis . Vanity Fair . 26 July 2021 . 28 July 2021 . 26 July 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210726181444/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/07/lady-kitty-spencer-wedding-michael-lewis-rome-five-dolce-and-gabbana-wedding-dresses-rome . live .
  43. Web site: How Many Wedding Dresses Is Too Many Wedding Dresses? . The Cut . 26 July 2021 . 28 July 2021 . 27 July 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210727104200/https://www.thecut.com/2021/07/kitty-spencer-wore-five-yes-five-dresses-at-wedding.html . live .
  44. Web site: Lady Kitty Spencer Weds in Rome Wearing Multiple Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda Gowns . Vogue . 26 July 2021 . 28 July 2021 . 28 July 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210728201733/https://www.vogue.com/article/lady-kitty-spencer-weds-in-rome-dolce-and-gabbana-alta-moda-gowns . live .
  45. Web site: Princess Diana's Niece Lady Kitty Spencer, 30, Marries Billionaire Michael Lewis, 62 . CafeMom . 28 July 2021 . 28 July 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210728210551/https://cafemom.com/entertainment/lady-kitty-spencer-michael-lewis-wedding . live .
  46. 'It's a joy to be your mummy': Lady Kitty Spencer, Princess Diana's niece, surprises fans by revealing she has had a baby in gushing Mother's Day post. Tatler. Harriet. Johnston. 10 March 2024. 10 March 2024. 10 March 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240310145945/https://www.tatler.com/article/lady-kitty-spencer-announces-baby. live.
  47. Web site: Tinie Tempah Takes to the Trading Floor to Raise Money for Homeless Young People. 7 December 2017. Centrepoint. 28 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180821161912/https://centrepoint.org.uk/about-us/news/tinie-tempah-takes-to-the-trading-floor-to-raise-money-for-homeless-young-people/. 21 August 2018. dead.
  48. Web site: SLEEP OUT SET TO RAISE MORE THAN HALF A MILLION. 25 November 2016. Centrepoint. 28 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180301173034/https://centrepoint.org.uk/about-us/news/sleep-out-set-to-raise-more-than-half-a-million/. 1 March 2018. dead.
  49. Web site: Lady Kitty Spencer Follows Aunt Princess Diana with a Special Cause. Perry. Simon. 22 February 2016. People. Time Inc.. 28 May 2018. 21 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180621143331/https://people.com/royals/lady-kitty-spencer-follows-aunt-princess-diana-with-a-special-cause/. live.
  50. Web site: Princess Diana's Niece Lady Kitty Spencer Is All Grown Up–and Stunning in Sparkly Jumpsuits. Borge. Jonathan. 21 November 2017. InStyle.com. 28 May 2018. 22 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180522024416/http://www.instyle.com/news/princess-diana-niece-lady-kitty-spencer-jumpsuit. live.
  51. News: Melbourne Cup 2015: Lady Kitty Spencer brings royal touch to Flemington Birdcage. Epstein. Jackie. 30 October 2015. Herald Sun. 28 May 2018. 11 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171011205249/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/features/spring-racing-carnival/melbourne-cup-2015-lady-kitty-spencer-brings-royal-touch-to-flemington-birdcage/news-story/0841d09d6c8a4ad1d6823273f67bca74. live.
  52. Lady Kitty Spencer has some exciting news!. Sutcliffe. Laura. 25 May 2018. Hello!. 28 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180624143431/https://fashion.hellomagazine.com/fashion-news/201805258800/lady-kitty-spencer-new-uk-face-of-bulgari/. 24 June 2018. dead.