Charles Spencer and Karen Gordon End Marriage and Seek Divorce

Charles Spencer and Karen Gordon Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images; CHRIS JACKSON/AFP via Getty Images

In a recent development, Earl Charles Spencer and his wife, Karen Gordon, have decided to part ways and are now divorced. Speaking to The Mail on Sunday on June 8, Spencer, 60, expressed his sadness over the divorce, stating that he wants to devote himself to his children and grandchildren and wishes Gordon well in the future. The couple first met in 2010 on a blind date in Los Angeles and tied the knot a year later at Althorp grounds.

Spencer, the younger brother of the late Princess Diana, and Gordon, a philanthropist, have been open about their relationship in the past. In an interview with The Sunday Times in 2020, Spencer shared that they both appreciated and supported each other. However, their marriage has now come to an end, with the couple confirming the news to Althorp House staff back in March. Spencer and Gordon share a 12-year-old daughter, Charlotte, and Spencer has six other children from his previous marriages.

Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer (L) and his wife, Karen Spencer, arrive for the wedding ceremony of Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and US actress Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on May 19, 2018. (Photo by Chris Jackson / POOL / AFP) (Photo credit: CHRIS JACKSON/AFP via Getty Images)
CHRIS JACKSON/AFP via Getty Images

The news of the divorce comes as Spencer continues to mourn the loss of his sister, Princess Diana, who passed away in 1997 at the age of 36. In his recent memoir, A Very Private School, Spencer wrote about Diana and their shared upbringing, and he also revealed that he was a victim of sexual abuse during his time at boarding school. During an appearance on the Today show, he shared that he first spoke about the assault at age 40 while in therapy. Spencer’s revelations have led his former school, Maidwell Hall, to notify local authorities to investigate possible crimes against children.

As Spencer navigates this difficult time, he remains focused on his family and his journey towards healing. His memoir and public appearances have shed light on his experiences, and he continues to honor the memory of his late sister, Princess Diana.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, resources are available at the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network/RAINN website.