Daily Reports
Charles Spencer and Karen Gordon Announce Divorce After 13 Years
Charles Spencer, brother of the late Princess Diana, and his wife, Karen Gordon, have decided to part ways after 13 years of marriage. The announcement was made public on June 8 through the Daily Mail, where the 60-year-old ninth Earl Spencer expressed his sadness over the separation. 'It is immensely sad,' shared Spencer. 'I just want to dedicate myself to all my children and my grandchildren, and I wish Karen all the happiness in the future.' This marks Spencer's third divorce.
The couple, who got married in June 2011 at the Althorp estate in Northamptonshire, have a 12-year-old daughter named Charlotte Diana, named in tribute to Spencer's late sister, Princess Diana. Spencer has six other children from his previous marriages—four with his first wife, Victoria Lockwood, and two with his second wife, Caroline Freud. Meanwhile, Karen Gordon, a Canadian philanthropist, has two daughters from her previous marriage to Hollywood producer Mark Gordon.
The Impact of Spencer's Memoir on Their Relationship
According to reports, the relationship between Spencer and Gordon began to fall apart during the writing of his memoir, 'A Very Private School,' which was published in March 2024. The autobiography took Spencer five years to complete and delves into the traumatic experiences of his childhood, including sexual abuse at the hands of a nursing assistant when he was just 11 years old. 'The effect of what he did to me was profound and immediate,' Spencer wrote. The intensive nature of Spencer's therapy during this period is said to have put a strain on their marriage.
In interviews, Spencer has spoken openly about the difficulty of writing his autobiography and the therapeutic journey it entailed. 'It was very challenging for her to have a husband who went through what was essentially four and a half years of deep therapy,' he told People in March. Despite the challenges, Spencer acknowledged the unwavering support he received from Gordon during this time, expressing gratitude for her presence during his healing process. However, just three months after these statements, the couple decided to separate.
Spencer has retained high-profile lawyer Fiona Shackleton to handle his third divorce. Shackleton, widely recognized as the 'steel magnolia' of the British legal industry, has managed several high-profile cases, including the divorces of Princess Diana, Paul McCartney, and Prince Andrew.
Despite the separation, Spencer has maintained a close relationship with his nephews, Princes William and Harry. Prince Harry, in particular, spent time with Spencer and other members of the family in London during the commemorative mass of the Invictus Games held at St. Paul's Cathedral in early May. The Duke of Sussex took the opportunity to reconnect with his mother's siblings, further illustrating the enduring bond within the family.
- Charles Spencer continues to be an active voice within the public sphere, primarily through his historical writings and memoirs. His latest work has been met with both praise and sympathy, shedding light on the often unspoken traumas faced by individuals in elite societal circles.
- Karen Gordon, for her part, remains committed to her philanthropic endeavors, focusing on various charitable organizations in Canada and beyond. Despite their separation, both parties have expressed mutual respect and a desire for each other's future happiness.
