Princess Diana's brother Earl Spencer speaks out on 'secret' marriage
Topics: Princess Diana, Royal Family, UK News, News
Rhianna Benson
Featured Image Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Topics: Princess Diana, Royal Family, UK News, News
Congratulations are in order for Charles Spencer, who has tied the knot for the fourth time.
The 9th Earl Spencer - the brother of the late Princess of Wales, Diana - confirmed this week that he married archaeologist and podcaster, Professor Cat Jarman, in a private ceremony on Friday (15 May).
The nuptials marked the fourth time that Spencer, 61, has said 'I do', following his marriages to model Victoria Lockwood (1989-97), PR specialist Caroline Hutton (2001-07), and Canadian entrepreneur Karen Gordon (2011-25).
He and Jarman, 43, met in 2021, shortly after nine-time published author Spencer was asked to review her nonfiction book, River Kings, a work centred on the Viking invasion. The two later became co-hosts of the hit podcast, The Rabbit Hole Detectives, and attended archaeological digs together.
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Spencer had been married to his third wife, Gordon, whom he wed at Althorp House at the time.
He and Gordon, 53, announced their plans to divorce in June 2024, after which he confirmed that he and Jarman were romantically involved.
What followed became a bitter, headline-hitting war of words, which began with Jarman accusing Gordon of disclosing her multiple sclerosis to the press.
In response, Gordon claimed Jarman's ex-husband, Tom Jarman, had volunteered up the information.
A lawsuit subsequently ensued related to the disclosure of Jarman's medical condition. The case resulted in Jarman being awarded £4,500 in damages. Gordon, then Lady Spencer, made no admission of liability or wrongdoing as stated in the settlement.
She and Spencer's divorce was finalised in December.
A spokesperson for Gordon told the press at the time: "Countess Spencer has exercised restraint throughout and has limited what she has said publicly.
"At this time, she does not intend to discuss these matters beyond the few points she feels it is important to highlight in this statement for the purpose of context and accuracy. She considers the matter closed."
Jarman and Spencer exchanged vows in Arizona, slightly in front of Sedona’s iconic Cathedral Rock, confirming the news in a sentimental statement to PEOPLE on Monday (18 May).
"We both feel so incredibly lucky to have progressed from being colleagues, to friendship, to deep love and connection," they gushed. "Each stage of our relationship has been underpinned by laughter, and we share a passion for life."
While Spencer wore a dark suit with a blue shirt for the low-key US ceremony, Jarman wore a similarly shaded sleeveless gown with cutout details.
The Earl is a father to six children from his previous marriages.
With his first wife, Lockwood, he has a daughter, Lady Kitty Eleanor Spencer, twins Lady Eliza Victoria and Lady Amelia Spencer and a son, Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp.
Spencer and Hutton, his second wife, welcomed a son, Edmund Spencer and a daughter, Lady Lara Caroline Spencer, during their marriage.
He shares his youngest child, a daughter, Lady Charlotte Diana Spencer, with Gordon.
Jarman and her ex-husband also share two children together.