Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer and brother of the late Princess Diana, has tied the knot with archaeologist and podcast co-host Cat Jarman in a low-key ceremony held in Arizona. The wedding took place on May 15, 2026, nearly five months following the conclusion of his previous marriage.
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The intimate event reportedly unfolded near the picturesque Cathedral Rock, a well-known landmark in Sedona. The couple expressed their joy in a joint statement, reflecting on how their relationship has evolved from colleagues to friends, and now to a deep romantic connection filled with laughter and shared interests.
Spencer, aged 61, and the 43-year-old Jarman first became acquainted through mutual professional engagements. Charles was invited to review Jarman’s acclaimed 2021 book, “River Kings,” which delves into her expertise on Viking history. This initial encounter sparked a series of collaborations, including archaeological digs and a jointly-hosted podcast, ultimately leading to the public announcement of their relationship in October 2024.
On their wedding day, Jarman wore a stylish pale blue gown adorned with cut-out details, while Spencer opted for a relaxed dark suit complimented by a light blue open-collared shirt. In captured moments, the couple radiated happiness, including a playful selfie taken by Jarman that featured the pair smiling together.
This marriage marks Charles Spencer’s fourth venture into matrimony. His previous unions include Victoria Lockwood, whom he wed in 1989 and divorced in 1997, Caroline Freud from 2001 to 2007, and Karen Spencer, his former wife with whom he separated after 13 years of marriage in June 2024. The divorce proceedings, which began amid personal challenges, were finalised by December 2025 and resulted in him maintaining custody of his daughter, Charlotte Diana, who is presently 13 years old. Spencer is also a father to six children from his prior marriages.
Cat Jarman was previously married to Tom Jarman and has two sons from that union. The pair’s relationship was brought to public attention during what became a contentious divorce for Spencer. Legal disputes arose when Jarman accused Karen Spencer of improperly disclosing her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, which she had kept private since receiving it in 2016 while completing her PhD.
Karen Spencer contested the allegations, asserting that any references made regarding Jarman’s health were legitimate and justified. Reports indicate she learned of the diagnosis inadvertently while investigating allegations of infidelity during her marriage to Spencer. Both parties denied any wrongdoing, with Charles and Jarman emphatically refuting accusations of an affair during his previous marriage.
In recent years, the professional boundaries between Charles and Cat have blurred, as they frequently collaborated on various historical projects and appeared together at archaeological sites. Their podcast, “The Rabbit Hole Detectives,” is co-hosted alongside Rev. Richard Coles, adding to their list of shared interests within the realm of history.
Following the announcement of their relationship, Charles Spencer openly confirmed their romance, stating: “We are close,” highlighting the strength of their bond. As they embark on this new chapter together, both Spencer and Jarman appear excited about their future, marked by a shared passion for life and history.
As the couple moves forward, their love story serves as a reminder of resilience and new beginnings amidst the complexities of life’s challenges. The scenic backdrop of Arizona’s desert, coupled with the couple’s personal happiness, undoubtedly contributes to a hopeful narrative that many will admire. Spencer’s journey, from the public eye as a royal relation to a private individual seeking serenity in love, continues to unfold with further promises ahead.