Earl Charles Spencer's girlfriend publicly denies affair allegations

The high-profile legal battle also saw accusations from the Earl's ex-wife, whom he divorced last year after 13 years of marriage, claiming the pair had embarked on an affair.

But Ms Jarman, a Norwegian archaeologist, has now gone public to dispel the accusations.

"Both marriages were over when Charles and I began a relationship and had been for some time," she told The Mail on Sunday.

"These accusations are very difficult to disprove anyway, but it was the way it was done – putting it in legal documents, where it could be reported without risk of being accused of libel.

"That was so hurtful and anyone who knows me knows it wasn't true.

"I think I happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and it is very hurtful when there isn't the slightest element of truth in it.

"It just feels really unnecessary, and the fact it was so public. It's just upsetting."

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, Ms Jarman'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.

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.

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.

Earl Spencer also vehemently denied allegations of an affair.

Ms Jarman first encountered Princess Diana's brother while undertaking archaeological work at Althorp, his ancestral Northamptonshire estate.

"Neither of us was looking for anything else," Ms Jarman explained. "We really weren't. I think that was the key. And the timing was significant for both of us. We both needed something new, but maybe didn’t realise we did."

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

But she says the well-documented court battle has had a "devastating impact" on the family.

"It wasn't right that she shared private medical information. Sharing something [like her MS diagnosis] should be a matter of choice."

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter