Short Introduction, written by Charles, 9th Earl Spencer:
"The history of Althorp is the history of a family. The Spencer's have lived and died here for nearly five centuries, and twenty generations. Since the tragic death of my sister, Diana, Althorp has become known across the world. But, before that ghastly event, connoisseurs had heard of this most classic of English stately homes, on account of its setting, and its contents.

As you walk round this house, you will see the accumulation of paintings, furniture, china, and sculpture, which have appealed to the tastes of my family over the generations. I hope that, beyond the art, you will also notice that Althorp is very much a home. The exterior may be imposing, with its stark tiling; and the park may appear to be huge and impressive; but the inside is warm and welcoming.

I believe this is down to the fact that one family has used this house as a home, in an unbroken line. What you feel as you go round it is part of the House's soul. When my ancestors first settled here, they did so as large scale sheep farmers. Since then, they have been politicians, courtiers, sailors, ambassadors, and preachers. These were the men, of course. But the women of the Spencer family have an impressive record, too: some have been considered highly fashionable; others deeply charitable; and many have been rated beauties. An independence of spirit is detectable throughout the Spencer women. It would be true to say that an appreciation of what is important, and a dismissal of what is irrelevant, have also been evident. Diana was the embodiment of these diverse qualities. It is therefore appropriate that she has returned to Althorp, to rest in peace, in the most beautiful of settings, where she is most truly in context."