Lady Amelia Spencer and Lady Eliza Spencer are no strangers to public attention, but images of their mother, Victoria Aitken, remain notably rare. The former model has largely stayed out of the spotlight for decades, making the resurfaced family photographs all the more compelling for royal watchers.

Shared via Instagram, the images offered a glimpse into the twins' private family life. The photographs show the sisters bearing a striking resemblance to their mother during her modelling years.

Victoria Aitken, formerly known as Victoria Lockwood, has maintained a low profile since she married Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer in 1989 - Princess Diana's younger brother.

In 1995 she relocated to Cape Town, South Africa settling in the exclusive Silverhurst Estate in Constantia. There, she largely withdrew from public life, raising her family away from the glare of royal scrutiny and later divorcing Earl Spencer in 1997, shortly after Diana's death.

The family portraits, believed to have been taken during their years in South Africa, and show Victoria with her children in relaxed, natural settings - a sharp contrast to the polished red-carpet images her daughters are now known for.

With softly styled hair, minimal makeup and an understated presence, Victoria's features from her bone structure to her smile, are unmistakably echoed in Amelia and Eliza, 32, today.

After growing up in Cape Town, the twins later returned to the UK, relocating to London around 2021 to pursue modelling careers.

They are now firmly established in the fashion world, regularly attending major premieres and fashion events, and currently reside in the London area.

Despite their international schedules, the sisters are known to be close to their mother, and it is widely believed she continues to visit them in the UK.

Victoria herself enjoyed a successful modelling career long before her daughters stepped into the spotlight.

Discovered by legendary photographer Bruce Weber, she went on to work with major fashion houses including Dior and Levi's, and appeared in leading publications such as British Vogue, Tatler and Marie Claire.

Her fashion pedigree has long been recognised within the industry, even as she chose a quieter life away from it.

It is perhaps little surprise, then, that Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza have followed a similar path.

The twins have been increasingly visible on the fashion circuit, collaborating with British heritage label Aspinal of London - a brand favoured by Princess Catherine and Zara Tindall, and regularly appearing dressed in Dior while adorned in Tiffany & Co diamonds at high-profile events.

The renewed interest in the Spencer family comes amid wider attention surrounding her brother.

Last week, it was reported that the divorce of Earl Spencer from his third wife, Karen, Countess Spencer, had been finalised following two years of legal negotiations.

Princess Diana's younger brother had been married to Karen for 13 years before their separation, once again placing the Spencer family firmly in the public eye.