The Duke of Marlborough, a relative of Sir Winston Churchill and Diana, Princess of Wales, has been charged with three counts of intentional strangulation and is set to appear before magistrates tomorrow.
Details of the Alleged Offences
Charles James Spencer-Churchill, 70, formerly known as Jamie Blandford, faces three separate charges of non-fatal intentional strangulation. According to Thames Valley Police, the alleged incidents span a period from November 2022 to May 2024.
The charges all relate to alleged offences against the same individual and are said to have taken place in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. The Duke was arrested on 13 May 2024 and is scheduled to appear at Oxford Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 18 December.
Aristocratic Lineage and Ancestral Home
The Duke, who inherited his title in 2014 following the death of his father, the 11th Duke of Marlborough, is distantly related to two of Britain's most iconic figures. He is a first cousin three times removed of wartime Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill and is also connected to Diana, Princess of Wales through the Spencer family line.
His ancestral home is the world-famous Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, a UNESCO World Heritage site set in parklands designed by 'Capability' Brown. However, the Duke does not own or manage the 18th-century Baroque palace.
The estate is owned and operated by the independent Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation. A foundation statement clarified its position: "The foundation is unable to comment on the charges, which relate to the duke's personal conduct and private life, and which are subject to live, criminal proceedings."
The statement further emphasised that the foundation "is not owned or managed by the Duke of Marlborough, but by independent entities run by boards of trustees."
Background and Previous Title
Before becoming the 12th Duke of Marlborough, the twice-married Spencer-Churchill held the title of Marquess of Blandford and was commonly known as Jamie Blandford. His relationship with the historic estate was formalised in 1994 when his father, the previous duke, initiated court proceedings to prevent him from gaining control of Blenheim Palace.
The Daily Star reported the charges and stated that the Duke's spokespeople have been contacted for a response. The case is now a matter for the courts as the legal process begins.
