Princess Diana’s Brother Charles Spencer Addresses His Drastic Age Gap With New Girlfriend

Earlier this year, Charles Spencer, the younger brother of the late Princess Diana, announced he and his wife of over a decade, Karen Spencer, were divorcing. Fast forward to today, and he’s found love again with his pal Dr. Catrine Jarman, who is nearly 20 years his junior.

It’s a tale as old as time, from “friends” to “colleagues” to lovers. They originally met back in 2021 when she went to visit his home in Althorp for a dig. They became close pals and even launched a podcast together called The Rabbit Hole Detectives alongside Reverend Richard Coles in early 2023.

Now, they’re dating and addressing their 18-year age gap in a joint interview with the DailyMail.

He “wasn’t looking” for love when he met Jarman, but after his divorce, a romance bloomed.

“The thing is, I am 18 years older than Cat, and so there wasn’t even the possibility,” he told the outlet. “I’ve never been with a much younger person. I wasn’t even thinking of romance. I was at the tail end of a marriage. It just wasn’t a possibility.”

He then talked about their romance and how it bloomed and continues to do so.

“[We have] shared interests. We were fascinated by the same things. And she made me laugh. Laughter was key,” he added. “I’m too old for hearts and flowers stuff, but the best way to describe it is that with Cat, I can be myself. She knows who I am. Who I really am. I don’t have to pretend to be something I am not. And she brings out the best in me.”

For those who don’t know, Charles and his ex-wife Karen Spencer married in 2011 after meeting on a blind date in 2010. They welcomed one daughter named Lady Charlotte Diana Spencer in 2012; and reportedly split up after he released his memoir, A Very Private School, earlier in 2024.

He confirmed their split to the DailyMail on June 2024, two months after they told their close friends and staff. Charles told the outlet, “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.”

Before you go, click here to see celebrity couples with significant age differences.