Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer has revealed he and his third wife, Karen Spencer are going their separate ways.
The couple were married for 13 years, and share one daughter together.
Confirming the news to The Mail on Sunday, Princess Diana’s brother revealed that his divorce from Karen is “immensely sad” for him and his family.
Charles, 60, told the publication: “I just want to devote myself to all my children, and to my grandchildren, and I wish Karen every happiness in the future.”
The Mail on Sunday reported that Charles’ relationship with Karen, Countess of Spencer, came to an end whilst he was writing his memoir, A Very Private School.
It’s believed that the writing of his book, which chronicles the trauma he experienced while at boarding school, put a strain on their marriage in recent years.
The news of their divorce comes just days after Karen announced the death of her father, who had sadly been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Karen, 52, is originally from Canada and in the announcement she revealed she had returned to Vancouver Island to support her family during this difficult time.
“My father passed away today after a long battle with Alzheimer’s,” she shared on social media.
“I was happy to be there to support my mother and brother who have been doing the bulk of the heavy lifting in dealing with his care here on Vancouver Island.”
Charles and Karen first met in 2010 after being set up on a blind date in Los Angeles, and the pair were married on 18 June 2011, four months after they were engaged.
The wedding took place at Charles’ ancestral home, Althorp House, where the couple then resided together for the duration of their marriage.
Charles and Karen share a 12-year-old daughter, Lady Charlotte Diana, whose middle name pays tribute to Charles’ sister, the late Princess Diana.