In a dramatic turn of events, Karen Spencer, the estranged wife of Charles Spencer—Princess Diana’s younger brother—has made explosive allegations about the breakdown of their 13-year marriage. According to new court filings in the U.K., Karen accused Charles of ending their marriage via text message in March 2024, sparking what she describes as a campaign of bullying and emotional turmoil.

The High Court documents reveal that Charles, 60, informed Karen, 52, that their marriage was over with a curt text on March 19, 2024. Karen’s legal filing described his actions as “cruel and inexplicable,” adding that he refused to provide an explanation or speak with her in person despite her repeated pleas. “His behavior in the run-up to this had been uncaring and deliberately provocative,” she wrote.

Adding to the tension is Karen’s claim that Charles had been engaged in an affair with Dr. Cat Jarman, an archaeologist 18 years his junior. Karen alleges the affair may have begun as early as 2021. She reportedly confirmed her suspicions during an emotional Zoom call with Cat’s husband, Tom Jarman, in April 2024. Karen described the revelation as “hideous,” stating that it left her “shocked and devastated.”

Karen also confronted Cat, who had planned to stay near the Spencers’ ancestral home, Althorp, for several weeks. According to court filings, Karen warned Cat that it would be inappropriate to visit while she and her daughter, Charlotte Diana, were still residing there. Karen further admonished Cat in an email, calling her actions “unbelievably immoral” and stating, “You clearly didn’t think this through.”

 

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The legal dispute has taken another turn with Cat suing Karen for allegedly sharing private details about her multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis. Cat claims Karen disclosed the sensitive information to others after learning about it in a conversation related to the affair allegations. In her defense, Karen stated she shared the information only with close family and friends, as part of processing the sudden and traumatic end to her marriage.

“Given these circumstances, [Jarman] had no reasonable expectation of Lady Spencer not discussing the information in question with the limited group of individuals with whom she shared it,” Karen’s legal team argued.

The fallout from these events has been highly publicized. While Charles has denied the allegations of cruelty, stating that Karen was the one to end the marriage, Cat has expressed concerns about the stress the situation has caused her health. “The stress of this matter… further seriously impacts my health,” Cat said in a statement.

The divorce marks the end of Karen’s life at Althorp, where she had moved after marrying Charles in 2011. Reflecting on the upheaval, Karen described losing the life she had built with her husband and daughter as devastating.

Amid the escalating legal battle, both parties remain steadfast in their positions. With accusations of betrayal, privacy breaches, and public fallout, the Spencers’ divorce is shaping up to be a royal family saga like no other.