A relative of Princess Diana is facing accusations that he strangled his wife in several separate incidents. Charles James Spencer-Churchill, who is also a cousin of Sir Winston Churchill, appeared in court on Monday. He denies the charges against him.
Charles James Spencer-Churchill is accused of strangling his wife three times
Prosecutors allege that Charles became violent toward his estranged wife, Edla Marlborough, on three occasions. The alleged incidents reportedly occurred between November 2022 and January 2024, reports the Guardian.
The first alleged incident is said to have taken place in the couple’s garden following an argument. Charles is accused of hitting Edla and then putting his hands around her neck.
In the second alleged incident, he is accused to grabbing her hair, punching her and grabbing her neck, after she ran into a laundry room.
The third incident, which allegedly took place months later, is said to have involved Charles grabbing Edla “tightly around the neck” and throwing her onto a bed.
The Duke of Marlborough, who lists his address as Blenheim Palace, appeared at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on January 5. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Charles is a distance relative of Princess Diana, and also the first cousin, three times removed, of former British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill. It’s not clear whether Charles and Diana ever had a relationship. She was close to her brother, Charles Spencer, though.
Charles and Edla are believed to have separated in 2024, after 22 years of marriage. The couple have two teenage children. The Duke has been released on bail and will appear at Oxford Crown Court next month.
In other royal news, King Charles is said to be desperate to patch things up with Prince Harry – for one particular reason.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline on 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org
