The Duke of Marlborough has formally indicated he will plead not guilty to three separate charges of intentionally strangling his estranged wife, a court has heard.
Alleged Incidents of Domestic Violence
Charles James Spencer-Churchill, 70, a relative of both Sir Winston Churchill and the late Princess Diana, appeared at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court on Monday, 5 January 2026. The court was presented with details of three alleged assaults against his wife, Edla Marlborough.
The first alleged incident occurred on 13 November 2022. Prosecutors stated that following an argument in the garden of their home, the Duke is accused of striking his wife several times before putting his hands around her neck.
A second allegation dates to 23 April 2023. The court heard that Edla Marlborough ran into a laundry room, where the defendant allegedly grabbed her, hit her with a closed fist, and strangled her.
The third charge relates to an event on 29 January 2024. It is alleged the Duke pushed his wife onto a bed, put his hands tightly around her neck, and assaulted her.
Court Appearance and Bail Conditions
Appearing in the dock, Spencer-Churchill, who gave his address as the historic Blenheim Palace, confirmed his name, date of birth, and address. He indicated not guilty pleas to all three charges of intentional strangulation.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring granted the Duke conditional bail. The case has been sent to Oxford Crown Court, where Spencer-Churchill is due to appear on 5 February to enter formal pleas.
Background of the Duke and His Marriage
Known to his family as Jamie, Spencer-Churchill has been publicly open about his past long battle with drug addiction. He married his second wife, Welsh ceramicist Edla Griffiths, in 2002. The couple, who have two children together, separated in 2024.
Their children are Lady Araminta Spencer-Churchill and Lord Caspar Spencer-Churchill, born in 2007 and 2008 respectively. The case continues to develop as it moves to a higher court.
