Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland, KG, PC (23 April 1675 – 19 April 1722), known as Lord Spencer from 1688 to 1702, was an English statesman and nobleman from the Spencer family.
He served as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1714–1717), Lord Privy Seal (1715–1716), Lord President of the Council (1717–1719) and First Lord of the Treasury (1718–1721).
His third son Charles Spencer, 5th Earl of Sunderland is a direct ancestor of Sir Winston Spencer-Churchill, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during the Second World War.
His fourth son Hon.
John Spencer is a direct ancestor of Diana, Princess of Wales, the first wife of Charles, Prince of Wales, and the mother of Prince William and Prince Harry.