Charles Spencer is heading into a new relationship following the end of his marriage to Karen Spencer. The 9th Earl Spencer, brother to the late Princess Diana, revealed in June 2024 to The Mail on Sunday that he had separated from Karen.
“It is immensely sad,” Spencer remarked about the divorce. “I want to focus entirely on my children and grandchildren, and I wish Karen all the best in the future.” Spencer confirmed in October 2024 that he is now involved with Cat Jarman, a Norwegian archaeologist and his cohost on the Rabbit Hole Detectives podcast.
Jarman recently filed legal action against Karen Spencer, alleging misuse of private information
That same month, Jarman initiated legal proceedings against Karen, alleging misuse of private information. Spencer did not respond when contacted by PEOPLE for comment.
Together with Reverend Richard Coles, Jarman and Spencer cohost Rabbit Hole Detectives, which launched in February 2023. The podcast explores the origins of historical artifacts, both literal and symbolic.
“I get to dive into fun, historical topics and research the origins of nearly anything,” Jarman explained during a lecture at the Institute of Irish Studies.
Their romantic connection began as Spencer’s marriage was coming to an end. After Spencer announced his divorce in June 2024, The Mail on Sunday noted that he had grown closer to Jarman, who was also separated from her spouse.
Beyond their podcast, Jarman has collaborated with Spencer on archaeological work, helping uncover a Roman villa at Althorp. “I was honored to work alongside Charles as the first archaeologist at this historic 500-year-old estate,” she shared on Instagram in November 2021. “I’m excited to reveal the full findings soon!”
During an October 2024 interview on Good Morning Britain, Spencer referred to Jarman as his “partner,” confirming their relationship. Jarman pursued archaeology at the University of Bristol, where she earned her doctorate in 2017.
Her research focused on the Viking Great Army from the late 9th century, which she studied through a mass grave site of more than 300 individuals in Derbyshire. This work contributed to the 2019 documentary Britain’s Viking Graveyard and PBS’s The Lost Viking Army.
Currently, she serves as an honorary senior research associate in Bristol’s Department of Anthropology and Archaeology and directs a research unit within the department.
Jarman’s archaeological career has emphasized Viking history, with special attention to women and the Rapa Nui culture of Easter Island. She has led digs at key Viking sites, including Repton and a recently discovered winter camp in Foremark.
“I love discovering untold stories,” Jarman shared during a November 2023 discussion at the Institute of Irish Studies in Liverpool. “I also engage in broadcasting and podcasting alongside my research.”
Her scholarly work has resulted in two books: River Kings (2021), which traces the journey of a piece of jewelry from India to England, and The Bone Chests (2023), detailing her research on wooden chests containing royal remains.
During the same talk, she revealed that writing the scientific portions of her latest book brought her the most joy, calling it her “comfort blanket.” Jarman is also a mother and has spoken about the challenges of balancing her career with parenting. In February 2023, she posted on Instagram about bringing her children along on a work trip during their school break.
“While their week off gives them a break, my work continues,” she wrote, sharing photos of her kids by the seaside. “Now that they’re older and more independent, I want to make sure they still enjoy their time off. I travel frequently for work, so sneaking in this seaside break alongside a meeting felt special.”
