Summary (tl;dr)

Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer and younger brother of the late Princess Diana, has married Norwegian archaeologist and author Dr. Cat Jarman in a private ceremony in Sedona, Arizona, marking his fourth marriage.

Essential Background

Charles Spencer, 61, was previously married three times. His divorce from his third wife, Karen Spencer, was finalized in December 2025 after a separation announced in June 2024. Dr. Cat Jarman, 43, is a distinguished bioarchaeologist, author, and television presenter, specializing in the Viking Age. The couple initially met in 2022 when Spencer reviewed Jarman's book, "River Kings," and their professional collaboration, including co-hosting "The Rabbit Hole Detectives" podcast, blossomed into a romantic relationship, which they confirmed in October 2024. There were also legal proceedings between Jarman and Karen Spencer that were settled in late 2025.

The Full Story

Earl Spencer and Dr. Cat Jarman tied the knot on Friday, May 15, 2026, in an intimate ceremony held in Sedona, Arizona, United States. The wedding took place just months after Spencer's divorce from his third wife was finalized. The couple released a statement expressing their fortune in transitioning from colleagues to friends and then to deep love and connection, noting that their relationship has been filled with laughter and a shared passion for life. Jarman wore a pale blue formal gown, while Spencer donned a dark suit with a light blue shirt for the relaxed desert affair, with photographs suggesting Cathedral Rock as a backdrop.

Why It Matters

The wedding is trending due to Charles Spencer's prominent status as Princess Diana's brother and his connections to the British royal family, drawing public interest in this new chapter of his personal life. The timing of the marriage, shortly after his divorce, also adds to the public's fascination. Furthermore, Dr. Cat Jarman's own notable career as an archaeologist and author contributes to the public's interest in their union, highlighting a blend of aristocracy and academia. The choice of a private ceremony in Arizona, rather than a traditional UK event, also marks a departure from his previous weddings and sparks curiosity.

Geographic Location

• Sedona, Arizona, United States (private wedding ceremony with Cathedral Rock as a backdrop)