The Duke of Marlborough, Charles James Spencer-Churchill, faces serious allegations of domestic violence against his estranged wife, Edla Marlborough. The charges include three counts of non-fatal intentional strangulation. The incidents reportedly took place at their residence, Blenheim Palace, between November 2022 and May 2024.
Allegations of Assault
During a recent appearance at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court, the 70-year-old Duke indicated he would plead not guilty to all charges. The court heard a troubling account of the alleged incidents.
- On November 13, 2022, Spencer-Churchill allegedly struck Edla multiple times before choking her during a dispute in the garden.
- On April 23, 2023, he is accused of chasing and hitting her in a laundry room, where he strangled her after she called out for their nanny.
- On January 29, 2024, he purportedly pushed Edla onto a bed and assaulted her again by restricting her breathing.
The Duke was arrested in May last year and has been released on bail. He is scheduled to appear at Oxford Crown Court on February 5, 2024.
Background of the Duke
Spencer-Churchill is not only a member of the British aristocracy but also the 12th Duke of Marlborough. He inherited the title in 2014 after the passing of his father, the 11th Duke. His ancestral home, Blenheim Palace, is a historic site in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, known as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
Although the Duke is associated with Blenheim Palace, he does not own it. The estate is managed by the Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation, which is run by independent trustees. A spokesperson from the foundation acknowledged the legal proceedings against the Duke but refrained from commenting on the specifics of the case, citing ongoing criminal proceedings.
Personal Life
Charles James Spencer-Churchill married Edla, a ceramicist from Wales, in 2002. The couple has two children: Lady Araminta Spencer-Churchill and Lord Caspar Spencer-Churchill. Previously, he was married to Becky Few-Brown, the mother of his eldest son, George, who is the current Marquess of Blandford.
This ongoing case highlights the troubling issue of domestic violence and its impact on families and communities. The allegations against the Duke of Marlborough have garnered significant public attention and raise questions about accountability among public figures.
