'Medical privacy is not negotiable': Earl Spencer's girlfriend speaks out after case against his ex-wife settles

Ben McCaffrey
Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:11:32 +0000

A spokesperson for Earl Charles Spencer's new girlfriend spoke out at the Royal Courts of Justice today, just four months after the legal battle against his ex-wife settled.

The brother of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, also issued a statement, where he hailed the "quiet courage" of his new partner, Cat Jarman, 43, who lodged a legal claim against Countess Spencer, 53, whom he divorced last year after 13 years of marriage.

In court today, Ms Jarman's spokesperson stated: "Professor Jarman is pleased that these proceedings are concluded and is looking forward to moving forward with her academic life.

"She will continue to use her platform to support the vital work of the MS Society and to promote awareness of a condition that affects over 150,000 people in the UK. She hopes that this case sends a clear message: medical privacy is not negotiable."

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

Charles's current partner, a Norwegian archaeologist, claimed the divorcee shared her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis with the 61-year-old earl, among others, without her consent.

Ms Jarman initiated legal proceedings in October 2024. The matter was resolved for an undisclosed amount with no admission of wrongdoing.

The Spencers' divorce proceedings revealed the earl had been ordered to indemnify his wife by an arbitrator by way of a formal loan, while a statement in the High Court detailed he had also contributed to Ms Jarman's legal costs.

The precise costs remain subject to determination by the family courts and are described as "hotly disputed" between the parties.

In a statement, the earl said his current partner had handled proceedings with "grace, integrity and quiet courage."

"She sought only what was her right: the same right to privacy that every person deserves," he stated.

"Multiple sclerosis is a serious condition; its course is uncertain and its demands are significant.

"Those who live with the condition deserve complete control over when, how and to whom they choose to disclose it."

The dispute began when the countess accused her husband of having an affair, something she says was affirmed when comparing notes with Tom Jarman, 45, the archaeologist's former husband.

During these conversations, Mr Jarman informed the countess of his ex-wife's diagnosis. He later issued a statement expressing profound regret for sharing the private information.

LATEST ROYAL NEWS

William and Catherine share new photograph of Prince Louis to mark their youngest son's 8th birthday

Prince Harry sends direct message to Vladimir Putin and issues Ukraine rallying cry in Kyiv

Prince William to visit British Formula E team's headquarters

"The exchanges between Lady Spencer and myself were of a very sensitive and private nature," he said.

"In my naivety, I didn't envisage a situation where these very delicate discussions might have become public."

Mr Jarman stated he had "misjudged" the countess, believing she would demonstrate empathy and discretion rather than release the information publicly.

He confirmed that he and Ms Jarman had parted ways several years before her relationship with the earl commenced, and they remain close friends.

A spokesperson for Countess Spencer said: "Following the breakdown of her marriage to Earl Spencer, Countess Spencer was threatened with multiple legal claims from Professor Jarman, Earl Spencer’s girlfriend, one of which was the privacy claim. She also received three further legal threats from Earl Spencer. Countess Spencer believes these legal threats were coordinated.

"The litigation brought by Professor Jarman against Countess Spencer was funded by a loan from Earl Spencer.

"Countess Spencer accepted the Part 36 Offer with no admission of liability or wrongdoing after the arbitrator in her divorce proceedings ruled that, if she did accept the offer, Earl Spencer would be required to indemnify her for the costs associated with accepting the Part 36 Offer and bringing the proceedings to an end.

"Countess Spencer has exercised restraint throughout and has limited what she has said publicly. At this time, she does not intend to discuss these matters beyond the few points she feels it is important to highlight in this statement for the purpose of context and accuracy. She considers the matter closed."

Throughout the litigation, the countess maintained she was never informed that the diagnosis should be kept confidential, adding that the information was "volunteered" by Mr Jarman, who "believed" it had affected her behaviour, having an affair.

Both Earl Spencer and Ms Jarman have vehemently denied allegations of an affair.

Ms Jarman first encountered the earl while undertaking archaeological work at Althorp, his ancestral Northamptonshire estate.

Both she and Charles now work with MS Society, promoting awareness of the illness.

A spokesman for Ms Jarman said: "Professor Jarman is pleased that these proceedings are concluded and is looking forward to moving forward with her academic life.

"She will continue to use her platform to support the vital work of the MS Society and to promote awareness of a condition that affects over 150,000 people in the UK.

"She hopes that this case sends a clear message: medical privacy is not negotiable."