In a heartwarming turn of events, Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer and younger brother of the late Princess Diana, has found love again. He married Norwegian archaeologist Cat Jarman on 15 May 2026, in a private ceremony set against the stunning backdrop of Arizona’s Cathedral Rock near Sedona. This marks Spencer’s fourth marriage, following previous unions with Victoria Lockwood, Caroline Freud, and Countess Karen Spencer.
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The relationship between Spencer and Jarman blossomed publicly when he confirmed their involvement in October 2024, soon after he announced his divorce from Countess Karen Spencer. Jarman, a highly respected archaeologist and author, was also navigating her own separation at that time. Charles expressed appreciation for the profound connection they share, stating in an interview that, “With Cat, I can be myself… She brings out the best in me.”
Cat Jarman, who holds a doctorate from the University of Bristol, has made significant strides in the field of archaeology. Her research primarily revolves around the Viking Great Army and its impact on the British Isles. She gained notoriety for her work on a mass Viking grave site, which was featured in the 2019 documentary “Britain’s Viking Graveyard.” Currently, she serves as an honorary senior research associate at Bristol and is the director of the archaeological research unit there.
Jarman is not only known for her academic achievements but also for her role as a mother. On social media, she candidly shares the challenges of balancing her career with motherhood. A post from February 2023 highlighted her efforts to include her children in her travels while managing her professional commitments. “While their world stops for a week, mine doesn’t,” she reflected, capturing the juggle of work and family life while showcasing her desire to create meaningful experiences for her children.
Spencer and Jarman’s professional paths first crossed in 2021 when Spencer was asked to review her bestselling book, “River Kings.” Their collaboration deepened further when Jarman helped him excavate a Roman villa on his Althorp estate. The two also co-hosted a podcast titled “Rabbit Hole Detectives,” where they explored historical topics alongside Rev. Richard Coles, demonstrating their shared enthusiasm for cultural heritage.
Their relationship became more defined around the time of Spencer’s divorce, with Jarman being a source of comfort and understanding for the earl during this period. Their age difference of 18 years—Spencer being the older of the two—has been acknowledged by both, with Charles noting Jarman’s emotional maturity during an interview.
While their personal lives unfolded, Jarman faced a challenging legal battle against Countess Karen Spencer. She alleged that Karen had disclosed her private multiple sclerosis diagnosis without consent, leading to a lawsuit filed in October 2024. After a settlement was reached in December 2025, the situation was resolved without any admission of liability, and the couple expressed hope that this chapter could finally be closed.
On their wedding day, the couple shared their bliss through a joint statement reflecting on their journey from colleagues to partners in life: “We both feel so incredibly lucky to have progressed from being colleagues, to friendship, to deep love and connection.” Their bond, they noted, is characterised by shared laughter and a mutual passion for life.
As Charles Spencer embarks on this new chapter alongside Cat Jarman, their story serves as a reminder that love can flourish even amidst life’s complexities and challenges. The couple’s shared interests and values seem to have paved the way for a promising future together.