Charles Spencer, the younger brother of the late Princess Diana, recently entered into matrimony for the fourth time with Professor Cat Jarman in a surprising ceremony held in Arizona on May 15. The couple’s nuptials were a well-kept secret until they announced it publicly a few days later, sharing their joy with fans and followers.
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Following their intimate wedding, reports reveal that the newlyweds have embraced a shared passion for horseback riding. Jarman has taken up the hobby within the past few months, and the couple spent part of their honeymoon exploring the rugged Arizona desert on horseback. Despite Jarman’s ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis, she has taken to this new endeavour with enthusiasm.
Jarman had never ridden horses prior to her relationship with Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, but he introduced her to the sport at his ancestral home in the United Kingdom, Althorp. As she has adapted to horseback riding, Jarman has also ventured into archery while riding. Friends have expressed astonishment at her newfound skills, particularly given the challenges posed by her MS diagnosis.
The archaeologist discovered her condition in 2016 as she was finalising her PhD. Reflecting on her journey, Jarman recently shared on social media her delight in overcoming hurdles she once thought insurmountable. She poignantly remarked that if she could speak to her past self, she would express that her life would take a positive turn, particularly with her newfound passions.
Spencer, 61, and Jarman’s relationship blossomed from a professional association, beginning when Spencer reviewed her 2021 non-fiction bestseller, *River Kings*. Over time, their collaboration extended beyond academia, leading them to perform archaeological digs together and to co-host the podcast *The Rabbit Hole Detectives* with Rev. Richard Coles.
When the couple announced their marriage, they released stunning photographs showcasing the ceremony against the breathtaking backdrop of Sedona’s Cathedral Rock. Jarman wore an elegant pale blue gown, while Spencer dressed in a dark suit paired with a casual open-collared blue shirt. Their fairytale setting appears to echo their romantic journey which has been fraught with personal challenges.
Reflecting on their union, Spencer joyfully remarked that a close friend once said, “The thing about Cat is, she’d want to be with you if you lived in a hut.” This light-hearted sentiment illustrates the depth of their connection, which now includes a commitment to a shared future. The couple also shared a short video of themselves riding off into their new life together, further delighting fans with their happiness.
This latest chapter in Spencer’s life comes nearly two years after he announced his divorce from Countess Karen Spencer, to whom he was previously married for several years. The couple shares a 13-year-old daughter, Charlotte Diana, who is the youngest of Spencer’s seven children across his previous marriages. The divorce proceedings were finalised in late 2025 following a lawsuit filed by Jarman against the Countess regarding the alleged misuse of private information during their divorce.
Jarman’s story is one of resilience, and her capabilities have flourished despite the adversity posed by her diagnosis. As she continues to embrace new passions, her journey alongside Spencer shines a light on the power of love and companionship during challenging times.
As they embark on their married life, audiences will undoubtedly be eager to follow the couple’s adventures and witness how they navigate this exciting new chapter together.