Princess Diana’s brother Earl Spencer and his third wife Karen separately share heartbreaking family update on Instagram – months after announcing their ‘immensely sad’ divorce

Charles Spencer and his wife Karen, who announced their “extremely sad” separation in June, have separately paid touching tributes to their beloved pets.

Princess Diana’s brother, who lives on the Althorp Estate in Northampton, announced on Instagram over the weekend that his blond Labrador Otis has died.

Earl Spencer shared a photo of the 12-year-old pup sitting on a rug in the monochrome tiled hallway of his home.

He added that Otis was called a “total legend” by Althorp residents and that the estate wouldn’t feel the same without his presence.

He wrote: ‘Farewell to Otis, our wonderful Labrador, who had to be put to sleep last night. He was almost 13.

Princess Diana's brother, who lives on the Althorp Estate in Northampton, announced on Instagram over the weekend that his blond Labrador Otis has died

Princess Diana’s brother, who lives on the Althorp Estate in Northampton, announced on Instagram over the weekend that his blond Labrador Otis has died

Otis will now live with his father Karoo and grandmother Ella in a beautiful spot in the park at @althorphouse.

‘Everyone at Althorp loved Otis – several people here today have said he was a “total legend”. The place will not be the same without his wise, kind, intelligent presence. He was something quite special.’

Fans were devastated by the emotional news and tried to comfort Earl Spencer by following the reactions.

One said: ‘I’m so sorry. He will always be with you. That’s the magic of dogs.’ Another wrote: ‘I’m so sorry for the loss of your dog,’ while a third wrote: ‘I’m so sorry RIP.’

A fourth commented: ‘I’m so sorry for the loss of your four-legged friend. Run free across the rainbow bridge.’

His now-divorced wife Karen Spencer also shared a heartbreaking update about their daughter’s pony, named Roo.

Earl Spencer and Karen Spencer shared the heartbreaking updates on their social media accounts (both pictured in California in 2017)

Earl Spencer and Karen Spencer shared the heartbreaking updates on their social media accounts (both pictured in California in 2017)

1721760129 626 Princess Dianas brother Earl Spencer and his third wife Karen

His now divorced wife Karen Spencer also shared a heartbreaking update about their daughter's pony named Roo

His now divorced wife Karen Spencer also shared a heartbreaking update about their daughter’s pony named Roo

She posted a photo of Charlotte Diana on her Instagram page. The 11-year-old was wearing jodhpurs, a navy coat, black riding boots and a hat.

The young horse was photographed holding the reins of her adorable brown and white pony, which was wearing a purple coat with stars on it.

Charlotte Diana beamed as she stood next to Otis, who was seated and also wearing a matching coat as Roo.

Karen wrote: ‘In the past month we have had to put to sleep two of our beloved pets here at Althorp. Roo, Charlotte’s first competition pony and our beloved Labrador Otis.

“Otis was absolutely my dog ​​of my life. I can’t believe he’s gone. Here they are with Charlotte in happier times in front of the Falconry at the back of the park.”

1721760134 605 Princess Dianas brother Earl Spencer and his third wife Karen

Fans were upset by the emotional update and tried to comfort Earl Spencer through the comments.

Fans were upset by the emotional update and tried to comfort Earl Spencer through the comments.

People showed their support en masse and wished the Spencers much strength during this difficult time.

One wrote: ‘My heart breaks for you. I am so sorry for your loss… Keep the beautiful memories of them in your heart always.’ Another wrote: ‘What a beautiful memory to look back on.’

A third said: ‘I’m so sorry Karen, it’s never easy losing a beloved pet but the memories will last a lifetime.’

A fourth commented: ‘Oh, so sorry to hear that. This photo is such a special memory! Sending you lots of good energy.’

It’s a difficult time for the family as Earl Spencer and Karen announced their split a few months ago.

It's a difficult time for the family, as Earl Spencer and Karen announced their separation a few months ago (both pictured at Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018)

It’s a difficult time for the family, as Earl Spencer and Karen announced their separation a few months ago (both pictured at Harry and Meghan’s wedding in 2018)

Earl Spencer told the Mail on Sunday at the time: ‘It’s incredibly sad. I just want to devote myself to all my children and grandchildren, and I wish Karen every happiness in the future.’

Earl Spencer and Karen Gordon, a Canadian philanthropist, were married in June 2011 at the Althorp estate, where the late Princess Diana is buried.

The couple had met the year before on a blind date at a restaurant in Los Angeles.

The shocking announcement came amid the release of his book, A Very Private School, a harrowing memoir in which he details the physical and sexual abuse he endured during his childhood.