The 12th Duke of Marlborough has formally indicated he will plead not guilty to charges of intentionally strangling his estranged wife, a court heard today. Charles James Spencer-Churchill, a prominent aristocrat with familial links to Sir Winston Churchill and Diana, Princess of Wales, faces three separate allegations of non-fatal intentional strangulation.
Court Appearance and Formal Plea
Appearing at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court, the Duke, known as Jamie to his family, signalled his intention to contest all charges. The offences are alleged to have occurred against his estranged wife, Edla Marlborough, over a period spanning from November 2022 to May 2024. The specific location cited in court documents is Woodstock, Oxfordshire, close to the Spencer-Churchill family's ancestral seat, Blenheim Palace.
Aristocratic Lineage and Background
The defendant is a central figure in one of Britain's most storied aristocratic families. He is the 12th Duke of Marlborough, having inherited the title in 2014 following the death of his father. His lineage connects him to two of the nation's most iconic figures: he is a first cousin three times removed of wartime Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill and is also distantly related to the late Diana, Princess of Wales, through the Spencer family line.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The case stems from the Duke's arrest in May of last year. The three charges all relate to the serious offence of non-fatal intentional strangulation, a specific criminal charge that carries significant legal weight. By indicating a not guilty plea at this stage, the case is likely to proceed to a fuller trial where the evidence will be examined in detail. The development marks a significant new chapter in a legal saga involving one of the country's most high-profile noble families.
