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The dissolution of Earl Charles Spencer's third marriage has taken a contentious turn, as his new girlfriend, archaeologist Dr. Cat Jarman, filed a lawsuit against his estranged wife, Countess Karen Spencer. The legal action, lodged on October 10, 2024, alleges misuse of private information, according to court records obtained by The Telegraph.
This latest development comes just months after Charles Spencer, the younger brother of the late Princess Diana, announced his divorce from Karen in June 2024. The 60-year-old earl has since been romantically linked with Jarman, 42, a Norwegian archaeologist and his co-host on the history podcast "The Rabbit Hole Detectives."
The specifics of the alleged misuse of private information remain undisclosed, with both parties declining to comment when approached by PEOPLE magazine. This legal maneuver adds another layer of complexity to an already high-profile separation.
Charles and Karen Spencer's union, which began in June 2011 following a whirlwind romance, produced one daughter, Lady Charlotte Diana, now 12. Their wedding took place at Althorp, the Spencer family's ancestral home and the final resting place of Princess Diana.
In a statement released in June, Charles Spencer described the divorce as "immensely sad," expressing his intention to focus on his children and grandchildren. For the proceedings, he enlisted the services of Fiona Shackleton, the same lawyer who represented then-Prince Charles during his divorce from Princess Diana in the 1990s.
The Spencer divorce has been marked by unusual circumstances. In August, Karen revealed she was still residing at Althorp, though with limited access to certain resources. She hinted at future projects and reflections on her time at the estate.
Charles and Jarman's relationship became public knowledge last week when questioned by The Times about rumors of their growing closeness. "We are close," Charles quipped. "Well, close enough." Their professional collaboration on the podcast and a recent book has now seemingly blossomed into a personal relationship.
This legal dispute unfolds against the backdrop of Charles Spencer's recent memoir, "A Very Private School," in which he candidly discussed childhood trauma. Published in March 2024, the book details his experiences of sexual abuse while at boarding school.
