Spencer’s wife and his girlfriend settle privacy row, he’ll pay legal costs

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 16, 2026

Karen Spencer has settled a High Court privacy dispute with Earl Spencer’s partner, Professor Cat Jarman, over the unauthorized disclosure of Jarman’s multiple sclerosis diagnosis, with Earl Spencer ordered to cover most of the legal costs exceeding £2 million. The settlement, which does not include an admission of liability by Spencer, resolves a contentious legal battle that underscored issues of privacy and contributed to ongoing tensions amid the couple’s divorce proceedings.

Earl Spencer’s estranged wife, Karen Spencer, has reached a settlement in a prolonged High Court privacy dispute with his partner, Professor Cat Jarman, related to the alleged disclosure of sensitive medical information. Under the terms of the agreement, the earl will be responsible for a significant portion of the legal costs incurred during the case.

The legal battle, which began in October 2024, centered on Professor Jarman’s claim that Countess Spencer improperly revealed her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) without consent. The Norwegian archaeologist, who has been in a relationship with Earl Spencer for over a year, argued that the disclosure constituted a misuse of her private information. The dispute reportedly generated legal fees exceeding £2.2 million.

Karen Spencer, 53, agreed to settle the matter without admitting any liability, contingent upon Earl Spencer’s separate indemnification of her as part of their ongoing divorce proceedings. Court records indicate that the total financial responsibility, including legal expenses and damages, remains contested between the former couple, with no final sum agreed upon.

A spokesperson for Countess Spencer confirmed the resolution of the case, emphasizing that her position was “fully vindicated” and noting that Earl Spencer was ordered to pay the legal costs—exceeding £2 million—as well as £4,500 in damages to Professor Jarman. The spokesperson expressed hope that the settlement would bring closure to the dispute.

Professor Jarman described the settlement as a vindication of her decision to pursue legal action. She highlighted the importance of controlling when and how her MS diagnosis was shared, underscoring her right to privacy and the impact on her career. “Pursuing the claim was a necessary and principled step,” she said, expressing relief that the matter was concluded and signaling her intention to move forward.

The conflict emerged amid the breakdown of Earl Spencer and Countess Spencer’s marriage, which lasted nearly 13 years. The couple, who married in 2011 and share an 11-year-old daughter, had separated after Earl Spencer informed her of the end of their marriage in March 2023. According to the countess’s legal documents, the news was delivered via text message, a claim Earl Spencer disputes, asserting that it was his wife who initiated the divorce.

The countess also alleged that the earl had an affair with Professor Jarman, who was conducting an archaeological dig at his Althorp estate. She stated that her disclosures about the relationship were “entirely justified and legitimate” due to the circumstances she faced. According to court filings, Karen Spencer learned of the affair by comparing notes with Professor Jarman’s ex-husband, revealing that the relationship began in late 2022. Both parties maintained that the archaeologist remained a friend until the separation was announced, though Earl Spencer publicly confirmed his relationship with Professor Jarman in October 2023.

Professor Jarman asserted that she had kept her MS diagnosis private from most people, including Earl Spencer, and was shocked to learn that Countess Spencer had disclosed this information to him. She maintains that she had been seeing the earl romantically for only a few months before the revelation. Earl Spencer has denied the allegations regarding the circumstances of the marriage’s dissolution.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.