Charles Spencer and his third wife, Karen Gordon, are divorcing, as revealed by The Mail on Sunday.
The strain of writing his deeply personal memoir, which details the physical and sexual abuse he endured at boarding school, is believed to have contributed to the breakdown of their relationship.
The couple announced their impending divorce to staff at Althorp, the Spencer family estate in Northamptonshire, in March.
A Sad Conclusion
Earl Spencer expressed his sadness over the situation, stating, “It is immensely sad. I just want to devote myself to all my children, and to my grandchildren, and I wish Karen every happiness in the future.”
The couple married in June 2011 at Althorp, where the Earl’s older sister, Princess Diana, is buried. They had met the previous year on a blind date in Los Angeles.
Memoir Takes Emotional Toll
Charles Spencer’s memoir, “A Very Private School,” has had a profound emotional impact on him. The five years spent working on the book deeply affected him, leading to residential treatment for trauma late last year.
One particularly traumatic discovery was his 1976 schoolboy diary, which contained a long-forgotten message from the assistant matron who allegedly abused him.
The message, simply reading “Me” along with her contact information, was unsettling for Spencer.
Childhood Trauma and Its Effects
The Earl’s memoir also delves into the trauma of his mother leaving him and Diana when he was three years old, and the impact of being raised by a series of nannies. In a recent interview on the Therapy Works podcast, Spencer discussed how childhood abuse influenced his adult romantic relationships.
He admitted that he often chose partners who were incapable of love, driven by his past traumas.
New Romantic Prospects
Earl Spencer has recently grown close to Norwegian archaeologist Cat Jarman. The two co-host a history podcast, “The Rabbit Hole Detectives,” along with Rev. Richard Coles. Dr. Jarman, who is separated from her husband, has been helping Spencer with the excavation of a Roman villa on the grounds of Althorp.
Friends report that the two look very happy together, although it is still early days.
Karen Gordon’s Background
Karen Gordon, a Canadian philanthropist, had a notable first marriage to millionaire Hollywood producer Mark Gordon, known for his work on “Saving Private Ryan” and “The Day After Tomorrow.”
They met in 1994 at the Four Seasons in Toronto, where Karen worked at the front desk. They married three years later but split in 2003, with Karen reportedly receiving a $1.3 million settlement. She was later linked to billionaire George Soros.
Future Directions
As Charles Spencer navigates this challenging period, he is focusing on his children and grandchildren. His relationship with Karen Gordon may have ended, but he remains committed to his family and his historical projects.
Meanwhile, Karen Gordon is expected to continue her philanthropic endeavors. Both are likely to find new paths forward as they move beyond this chapter of their lives.
Memoir’s Legacy
“A Very Private School” not only serves as a personal catharsis for Earl Spencer but also highlights the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma.
His revelations have sparked discussions on the impact of abuse and the importance of addressing past traumas.
As Spencer continues to heal, his story may inspire others to confront and overcome their own painful histories.
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