7 Shocking & Current Revelations About Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer: Divorce, Memoir, And A New Romance

The 9th Earl Spencer, Charles Spencer, has always been a figure of intense public interest, a reality amplified by his role as the younger brother of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. As of December 2025, his life is undergoing a period of significant, very public transition, marked by personal upheaval, a candid new memoir, and a fresh start in his romantic life. The latest headlines confirm that the Earl is navigating a complex personal chapter while continuing his duties as a historian and the custodian of the historic Althorp Estate.

The convergence of his professional life—promoting a deeply personal and sensitive book—with major shifts in his private world has made Charles Spencer one of the most talked-about figures in the British aristocracy. His recent activities and announcements provide a fresh, compelling look into the life of the man who manages Princess Diana’s resting place and serves as uncle to Princes William and Harry.

Charles Spencer: Complete Biography and Profile

Charles Edward Maurice Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, is a British peer, author, journalist, and custodian of the Althorp estate. He inherited his title and the family seat in 1992 upon the death of his father. His life has been inextricably linked to the Royal Family through his late sister, Diana, Princess of Wales.

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• Full Name: Charles Edward Maurice Spencer
• Title: 9th Earl Spencer, Viscount Althorp, Viscount Spencer of Althorp, Baron Spencer of Althorp, and Baron Spencer of Wormleighton.
• Born: 20 May 1964 (Age 61 as of 2025)
• Family Seat: Althorp House, Northamptonshire, England.
• Parents: John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer, and Frances Shand Kydd (née Roche).
• Siblings: Lady Sarah McCorquodale, Jane Fellowes, Baroness Fellowes, and Diana, Princess of Wales (deceased).
• Education: Eton College and Magdalen College, Oxford (MA in Modern History).
• Career: Peer, Historian, Author, Journalist, and Custodian of Althorp.
• Wives:
  • Victoria Lockwood (m. 1989; div. 1997)
  • Caroline Hutton (m. 2001; div. 2007)
  • Karen Gordon (m. 2011; separation/divorce announced 2024)
• Children (7 Total):
  • With Victoria Lockwood: Lady Kitty Spencer, Lady Eliza Spencer, Lady Amelia Spencer, and Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp.
  • With Caroline Hutton: The Hon. Edmund "Ned" Spencer and Lady Lara Caroline Spencer.
  • With Karen Gordon: Lady Charlotte Diana Spencer.

1. The 'Immensely Sad' Third Divorce and Separation

One of the most significant and recent developments in Charles Spencer’s life is the announcement of his divorce from his third wife, Karen Gordon, in mid-2024.

The Earl and Karen, a Canadian social entrepreneur and founder of the Whole Child International charity, had been married for 13 years, having tied the knot in 2011 at the Althorp Estate.

The news was confirmed by the Earl himself, who expressed his profound sadness over the separation.

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This marks the third divorce for the 9th Earl Spencer, following the end of his marriages to Victoria Lockwood (1989–1997) and Caroline Hutton (2001–2007).

The couple shares one daughter, Lady Charlotte Diana Spencer, whose middle name is a direct tribute to the late Princess of Wales.

2. A New Romance with Archaeologist Cat Jarman

Following the news of his separation from Karen, the Earl’s romantic life quickly became a subject of renewed public speculation.

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In the months after the divorce announcement, Charles Spencer opened up about a new relationship with archaeologist and broadcaster Cat Jarman.

Jarman, a Norwegian-British historian and archaeologist, is known for her work on the Viking Age and her frequent media appearances. The new couple made a significant public appearance together, with Jarman joining the Earl to host a major event at Althorp House.

This new pairing highlights a shared intellectual interest, as Jarman’s work aligns with Spencer’s own career as a historian and author of numerous non-fiction historical books.

3. The Shocking Memoir: 'A Very Private School'

In March 2024, Charles Spencer released his latest work, the deeply personal and critically acclaimed memoir, *A Very Private School*.

The book delves into the profoundly traumatic experiences of his childhood, specifically recounting the abuse and lasting psychological impact of being sent away to a boarding school at the age of eight.

This memoir is a major departure from his previous historical non-fiction, offering a raw and poignant look at the trauma that shaped his early life and his relationship with his family.

The candid nature of the book resonated widely, with many readers and critics praising its bravery in discussing a sensitive topic often hidden within the British upper class. It became an international bestseller and was named one of the best celebrity memoirs of 2024.

4. A Major Personal Milestone: Six Months of Sobriety

In a powerful and candid social media post in October 2024, Charles Spencer shared a significant personal achievement: marking six months of sobriety.

The Earl thanked his followers for their support, revealing a private struggle with alcohol and celebrating this major personal milestone. This public disclosure added another layer to the narrative of candidness that began with the release of his memoir.

This focus on mental health and personal recovery demonstrates a commitment to self-improvement and transparency, further connecting him with a modern audience. The milestone was widely reported as a moment of great strength and courage.

5. Custodian of Althorp and the Family Legacy

As the 9th Earl, Charles Spencer is the custodian of Althorp House, the Spencer family's ancestral home in Northamptonshire, which has been in the family for over 500 years.

This estate is not only a historical landmark but also the resting place of his sister, Princess Diana, who is buried on an island in the middle of the ornamental Round Oval lake.

Spencer continues to manage the estate, overseeing its public opening during the summer season and hosting cultural events. He has been actively involved in projects like 'Althorp Living History,' which aims to preserve and share the estate's rich history.

His recent activities at Althorp, including hosting events with his new partner Cat Jarman, underscore his ongoing commitment to the estate and its future.

6. The Spencer Children and Their Own Public Lives

Charles Spencer is a father to seven children, many of whom have become public figures in their own right, continuing the Spencer family’s presence in the public eye.

His eldest daughter, Lady Kitty Spencer, is a prominent model and socialite who married businessman Michael Lewis in 2021.

His son, Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, is the heir apparent to the earldom and has also garnered significant media attention due to his striking resemblance to his cousins, Princes William and Harry.

The Earl often shares rare comments on parenting his large family, reflecting a deep engagement with their lives despite his own complex marital history.

7. The Enduring Bond with Princess Diana’s Sons

Charles Spencer’s relationship with his nephews, Prince William and Prince Harry, remains a constant point of public interest. He has consistently spoken out about his intensely protective feelings towards his late sister, Diana.

He was famously the one who delivered a powerful and controversial eulogy at his sister's funeral in 1997, a moment that cemented his public persona as her fierce guardian.

While his personal life has been tumultuous, his role as the custodian of Diana’s memory at Althorp and his familial link to the future of the monarchy ensures his continued relevance on the global stage. His recent comments, including one where he appeared to shade King Charles, suggest he remains unafraid to speak his mind on royal matters.

In essence, Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, is currently undergoing a renaissance—a period of personal restructuring and profound honesty, proving that the Spencer family legacy continues to be one of the most compelling narratives in the British establishment.