Charles Spencer's Nasty Divorce From Ex Karen Took A Toll On Everyone: 'Won't Be Missed'

Sadly, Princess Diana's brother has been about as unlucky in love as his late sister. Charles Spencer has had several complicated relationships; the 9th Earl Spencer has been married three times and has seven children. He wed fourth wife Cat Jarman in 2026. Charles' third wife, Karen Spencer, continued to reside on the Althorp Estate until February 2025, despite the couple officially separating in April 2024. Karen took to Instagram in November 2024 to acknowledge that moving out was proving to be challenging. "It hasn't been easy finding a temporary rental that can accommodate seven horses, two sheep, four cats, and a dog," she shared, alongside noting that she'd finally sourced alternative accommodation. 

Karen officially moved out in February 2025, with Althorp staff dishing to the Daily Mail that they weren't exactly heartbroken to see the back of her. "Having Lady Spencer on the estate for the year since the split has been very challenging indeed. She was a very big presence at Althorp, and one that won't be missed," one unimpressed staffer disclosed. Indeed, the couple's divorce was messy. Karen accused Charles Spencer of ending their 13-year marriage in a rather tasteless way, claiming he sent her a text simply telling her it was over. In court documents, Karen reasoned it was "sudden and cruel," per People. 

The earl contested this, countering, "Karen ended the marriage, after endless threats to do so over the years," per the Daily Mail. "She asked me to confirm the end of the marriage in a text and my reply that day was a simple acceptance of her decision." Furthermore, Karen accused her ex-husband of not cooperating in discussions about their split and declared, "His behavior in the run up to this had been uncaring and deliberately provocative."

Charles Spencer's marital woes didn't end once he and Karen Spencer put their divorce in motion. His then-girlfriend Cat Jarman took her to court in October 2024. The details of the charges were not initially disclosed; all the public knew was that Jarman was upset about Karen allegedly revealing some of her personal information publicly. In December 2025, it finally came to light that Jarman had sued Karen for telling Charles and some of the staff at Althorp that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. As Jarman explained in a statement to People, "As someone living with multiple sclerosis, I have the unquestionable right to decide when and how to share such sensitive details. Pursuing the claim was a necessary and principled step to protect that right, as well as my career and livelihood." 

Karen opted to settle the lawsuit instead of having the drama play out in court, but did not admit to any wrongdoing. Ironically, Charles ended up footing the bill for both women's legal costs. The Sun reported in April 2026 that the court had ordered the 9th Earl Spencer to not only pay Karen's legal bills, but also the settlement money she owed to Jarman. Additionally, Charles covered Jarman's legal crusade against his ex-wife, for which he had to acquire a loan. The irony is not lost on anyone. Charles might live an extremely lavish life, but given that he had to get a loan to cover Jarman's legal costs, it seems he might be a little bit broke after the whole ordeal. Jarman, however, was "delighted" with the outcome.