Karen Spencer, the estranged wife of Charles Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother, has accused him of ending their 13-year marriage via text message and engaging in a bullying campaign against her. These allegations are part of Karen’s defense in a lawsuit filed by Charles’ current partner, archaeologist Dr. Cat Jarman, who claims Karen publicly disclosed Jarman’s multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
A Divorce Delivered via Text and Allegations of an Affair
According to court documents, Karen claims Charles informed her of their impending divorce through a text message on March 19, 2024. She describes his actions leading up to the separation as “uncaring and deliberately provocative” and the text message as “cruel and inexplicable,” refusing further conversation or explanation despite her repeated pleas. In her defense against Jarman’s lawsuit, Karen argues that her sharing of Jarman’s MS diagnosis with a close circle of family and friends was justified given the shock and emotional distress caused by the sudden divorce and the revelation of Charles’ alleged affair with Jarman.
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Karen alleges the affair began as early as 2021 or 2022, a claim she says was corroborated by a conversation with Jarman’s then-husband, Tom Jarman. During an April 2024 Zoom call, Karen and Tom compared their accounts of Charles and Cat’s behavior, concluding that an affair had taken place. The news was reportedly devastating for Karen, who subsequently confronted Jarman about the alleged relationship and expressed her disapproval of Jarman’s planned extended stay at Althorp House, the Spencer family estate, while Karen and her daughter were still residing there.
A Contentious Email Exchange and Accusations of Bullying
Court documents include an email from Karen to Cat, expressing disappointment in Cat’s actions and referring to her as Charles’ “long-term mistress.” Karen also wished Cat “good luck” in navigating the anticipated challenges of a relationship with Charles. In her legal filings, Karen accuses both Charles and Jarman of “oppressive and bullying” behavior in pursuing the lawsuit, particularly highlighting their insistence on her immediate response despite her grieving the recent loss of her father.
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Jarman and Charles have vehemently denied Karen’s allegations in statements to the Daily Mail. Jarman claims the legal dispute is negatively impacting her health and vows to provide a full response in court. Charles dismisses the claim of ending the marriage via text as an attempt to tarnish his reputation, asserting that Karen initiated the divorce and he merely confirmed her decision in a text message. He intends to present the text messages as evidence in court.
Cat Jarman’s MS Diagnosis and the Lawsuit
Cat Jarman revealed her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in a December 2024 interview, explaining her initial decision to keep it private due to fears of discrimination and career limitations. She alleges that Karen learned of her diagnosis from someone close to Jarman and subsequently disclosed it to Charles and others.
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Jarman’s lawsuit against Karen centers on the unauthorized disclosure of this private information. She claims to have spent months trying to determine who Karen had informed about her diagnosis, leading to unsuccessful attempts at communication through lawyers before resorting to legal action.
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The divorce of Charles and Karen Spencer has become a public spectacle, filled with accusations of infidelity, bullying, and the unauthorized disclosure of private medical information. The legal battles continue, leaving the ultimate resolution uncertain.
