Princess Diana's grave: Brother fought off break-ins

Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, has spoken out about having to defend his sister's grave site. Photos / Getty

Buried on an island at her family's gated estate, it has been revealed that despite the secluded space chosen for Princess Diana's final resting place, several attempts have been made to break in to her grave.

The Princess' brother, Earl Spencer, told the BBC's Radio 4 the family has fought off burglars trying to get in to his sister's tomb on four occasions over the last 20 years.

Following her death in a car accident in Paris in 1997, he said the family foresaw burying Diana in the family plot as too risky, instead choosing the tranquil setting at Althorp Estate, shrouded by mature trees.

The final resting place of Princess Diana has been targeted by thieves. Photo / Getty

He told the radio station: "There was such a sort of whipped-up feeling of emotion everywhere that I was very worried about where we could safely bury her.

"We've had four attempted break-ins towards her body in the last 20 years, and I'm very glad we've seen all of them off.

"There are some odd people out there and keeping her right here is the safest place," he said of the island grave at the estate in England's East Midlands.

Earl Spencer's tribute to his sister inscribed on a tablet at her grave. Photo / Getty

"Originally we were going to bury Diana in the family tombs nearby but it wasn't to be.

"Both because it was impractical and because it would mean the local village being overrun."

This month Princes William and Harry joined the Spencer family at Diana's grave to celebrate their mother's birthday on July 1.

An aerial view of the burial site of Diana. The lake is located in the Althorp Estate. Photo / Getty