Princess Diana's brother Charles Spencer 'immensely sad' as he announces split from third wife

Princess Diana's younger brother, Charles Spencer has confirmed that his marriage to Karen Gordon is ending after 13 years.

The Earl Spencer described the split from his third wife, the Countess Spencer, with whom he shares a daughter, as "immensely sad."

The couple tied the knot in June 2011 at Althorp Estate, the final resting place of the late Princess of Wales, following their initial encounter on a blind date.

Charles proposed just four months after they met, and the pair celebrated the arrival of their daughter Charlotte Diana a year into their marriage, honouring the memory of the Earl's sister, OK! reports.

At 60-years-old, Charles disclosed the sorrowful reason for their separation, stating it is "immensely sad."

Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, he expressed his future intentions: "I just want to devote myself to all my children, and to my grandchildren, and I wish Karen every happiness in the future."

This announcement of divorce follows Charles' previous revelations about enduring horrific physical and sexual abuse during his time at boarding school, which he detailed in his memoir.

Karen's absence was noted at recent Spencer family events, including those at Spencer House and Althorp, such as the launch of the Earl's book titled 'A Very Private School. '.

Karen Gordon, a 52-year-old Canadian, is the founder and CEO of Whole Child International, a charity based in Los Angeles dedicated to aiding orphaned, abandoned, and abused children.

Charles, Earl Spencer, shares seven children in total from former relationships while Karen has two kids with the Hollywood producer Mark Gordon, known for his works on Saving Private Ryan and The Day After Tomorrow.

The late Princess of Wales' brother has four children from his previous marriage with Victoria Lockwood before their decade-long union came to an end in December 1997 which was the same year as Diana's tragic demise.

Their children include Lady Kitty Eleanor Spencer, Lady Eliza Victoria Spencer, Lady Amelia Spencer and Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp.

Charles didn't attend Kitty and Amelia's weddings in 2021 and 2023 amid reports that his relationship with his elder children had apparently "cooled".

The Earl also has two children from his second marriage with Caroline Freud - The Honourable Edmund Spencer and Lady Lara Caroline Spencer.

In a 2020 interview with The Sunday Times, Charles gushed: "Karen and I both appreciate what the other does and look after what we have. Neither of us has found happiness like this before."

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