Princess Diana’s Brother Charles Spencer Marries Cat Jarman in Private Arizona Wedding
Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer and younger brother of the late Princess Diana, has married for the fourth time. The 61-year-old British aristocrat tied the knot with Norwegian archaeologist and academic Professor Cat Jarman, 43, in an intimate private ceremony held in Sedona, Arizona, on Friday, May 15, 2026. The low-key desert wedding stands in contrast to Spencer’s previous high-society ceremonies and marks a new chapter for the Spencer family nearly 30 years after Diana’s tragic death.
The couple chose the stunning red rock landscapes of Sedona — with the iconic Cathedral Rock formation serving as a dramatic natural backdrop — for their special day. Photos from the occasion show a relaxed yet elegant celebration. Jarman looked radiant in a flowing pale blue, Grecian-style sleeveless gown featuring cutout details at the waist, while carrying a bouquet of white roses. Spencer opted for a sophisticated yet casual look in a dark suit paired with an open-collar light blue shirt and sneakers, reflecting the informal desert setting.
In a joint statement, the newlyweds expressed their joy: “We both feel so incredibly lucky to have progressed from being colleagues, to friendship, to deep love and connection. Each stage of our relationship has been underpinned by laughter and we share a passion for life.” Spencer later described May 15 as “the happiest day ever” on social media, sharing sweet images from the occasion.
How They Met: From Archaeology to Romance
The couple’s love story began on professional grounds. Jarman, a respected Viking Age expert, podcaster, and author, first visited Althorp — the Spencer family estate — in 2021 for an archaeological project. What started as a working relationship blossomed into friendship and eventually romance after Spencer’s separation from his third wife, Canadian philanthropist Karen Gordon. Their divorce was finalized in December 2025.
Together, they co-host the popular podcast The Rabbit Hole Detectives, where they explore history, mysteries, and intellectual curiosities with guests. Their shared intellectual passions and sense of humor clearly formed a strong foundation. Jarman, who was previously married and has kept much of her personal life private (including a 2016 multiple sclerosis diagnosis while completing her PhD), brings academic depth and adventurous spirit to the relationship.
A Contrast to Past Weddings
This marks the fourth marriage for Charles Spencer. His first wedding in 1989 to Victoria Lockwood was a grand society affair at St. Mary’s Church in Great Brington, near Althorp. His second marriage to Caroline Hutton in 2001 and third to Karen Gordon in 2011 were also notable events. The choice of a private, sun-drenched desert ceremony in Arizona feels markedly different — more personal, relaxed, and removed from British aristocratic traditions.
The location, thousands of miles from Althorp House, may reflect a desire for privacy and a fresh start away from the intense public scrutiny that has followed the Spencer family for decades. Sedona’s spiritual and scenic reputation added a unique, almost otherworldly atmosphere to the occasion.
Family Context and Public Interest
As the brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, Charles Spencer has remained a prominent figure in British public life. He has been vocal about his family’s history, mental health, and the pressures of aristocracy. He and Diana shared a close bond, and he has often spoken movingly about her life and legacy. While Diana’s sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, were not reported to be in attendance, the wedding has drawn significant media attention worldwide due to the family connection.
Spencer is father to seven children from his previous marriages, including his heir, Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp. The blended family dynamics add another layer of warmth to this new union.
Looking Ahead
For Cat Jarman, now Countess Spencer, the marriage represents a major life transition from academic and media work to life within one of Britain’s most famous aristocratic families. Known for her expertise in archaeology and engaging public communication, she is likely to continue her professional pursuits while embracing her new role.
The couple’s friends and well-wishers have flooded social media with congratulations, praising their obvious happiness and intellectual compatibility. In an era where royal-adjacent stories often attract intense scrutiny, this private desert wedding feels refreshingly grounded and joyful.
As Charles Spencer and Cat Jarman begin their married life together, their story adds another chapter to the enduring Spencer family saga. From the historic halls of Althorp to the red rocks of Sedona, it is a union built on shared curiosity, laughter, and deep connection — qualities that both have emphasized as central to their relationship.
While the wedding itself remained private and intimate, the public interest it has generated underscores the continued fascination with the Spencer family. For now, the newlyweds appear focused on celebrating their love and looking forward to the adventures ahead — both intellectual and personal. In the words of the groom himself, it truly was “the happiest day ever.”
