Countess Karen Spencer, the estranged wife of Earl Charles Spencer, has announced a major next step following the couple’s divorce in June 2024.
The 53-year-old Canadian philanthropist revealed she is permanently settling down in Northamptonshire, near the Althorp estate she shared with Princess Diana’s younger brother.
Countess Spencer revealed on social media that she finalised the purchase paperwork this week for her new permanent home.
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
“Exciting update, I bought a house! It’s official, paperwork was signed yesterday,” she wrote alongside images of the property's idyllic country garden.
Earl Charles Spencer’s estranged wife, Countess Karen Spencer, has announced she has settled permanently in Northamptonshire
|GETTY
“It’s a beautiful and peaceful home in gorgeous Northamptonshire, surrounded by nature, and a wonderful community of friends,” the Canadian glowed.
Countess Spencer also shared a short video of an exquisitely appointed dining table and another image of a campsite on the grounds featuring a picnic and scores of white tents.
“Although we don’t move in till October, on June 21st the seller kindly let me host my summer solstice party there. So special to kick off the first of many gatherings with loved ones,” the 53-year-old wrote.
She added: “In the pics, you have a peek at the incredible grounds, the outdoor dining area set for @oscarjamessterling ‘s feast, Amaryllis getting ready for us to arrive, and just to the right in that pic a glimpse of the tents where we slept.
The Canadian philanthropist revealed she would move in to her new home in October but all formal paperwork had been signed
|GETTY
“Can’t wait to share more from here soon,” she signed off.
The move evidently came as some relief to Countess Spencer, as her new property provides ample room for her menagerie of beloved animals.
“It hasn’t been easy finding a temporary rental that can accommodate seven horses, two sheep, four cats, and a dog,” the Canadian wrote last year.
Earlier this year, she shared a picture from her new home showing her sheep, Lucky and Minty, enjoying the property's mature trees and golden sunlight.
The Countess has been sharing pictures of her idyllic new surroundings, including space for her beloved animals
|INSTAGRAM / KAREN SPENCER
“The photo is the view out onto the garden and paddocks where there will hopefully be horses joining Lucky and Minty soon,” she captioned the post.
In February, the Countess was jubilant as her horses were finally temporarily homed.
"We have horses! Yay! They have been such a constant in my life in England, it’s so nice to have them in our new home," she wrote alongside a picture of Jack, a 20-year-old Irish Draft cross.
Countess Spencer's split from the Earl, who is now dating Norwegian archaeologist Cat Jarman, has involved complex legal proceedings.
Ms Jarman has initiated legal action against the Countess, alleging that the Canadian had disclosed information about her multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Earl Charles Spencer and Countess Karen Spencer split last year after 13 years together
|GETTY
The Norwegian previously stated that she had "worked very hard" to keep her MS diagnosis hidden, including from Earl Spencer at the start of their relationship.
However, Ms Jarman later decided to reveal her health condition in an interview with The Mail. She stated in court documents that she was concerned about "loss of autonomy and control" over her own medical information.
Countess Spencer stated that Ms Jarman's decision to take part in a public interview on the diagnosis was “hopelessly inconsistent” with her legal case.
The defence stated: "Deliberately disclosing the fact that she has MS to the world in a manner calculated to give it maximum publicity is not only entirely inconsistent with any claim to privacy, but it also nullifies the ostensible purpose of these proceedings."
Karen Spencer has robustly defended herself against Ms Jarman’s allegations. Last month, a court heard that both parties had reached an agreement on future estimated legal costs amounting to more than £2.2million.