A British duke and relative of Princess Diana has been charged with three counts of non-fatal strangulation in Oxfordshire, England, related to incidents between November 2022 and May 2024. Charles James Spencer-Churchill, the 12th Duke of Marlborough, also known as Jamie Blandford, will appear at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on December 18, 2025.
The 70-year-old peer, a distant cousin of Sir Winston Churchill, has a controversial history, including past struggles with drug addiction. Although linked to Blenheim Palace—the family’s historic estate—he does not manage or own it, as it is overseen by the Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation.
The duke’s involvement with the estate is primarily ceremonial, attending events such as receptions hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla. Legal proceedings against him focus on his personal conduct, and further developments will follow his upcoming court appearance.