The 12th Duke of Marlborough, Charles James SpencerChurchill, faces serious legal troubles. The 70yearold aristocrat is charged with three counts of intentional strangulation. These allegations cover incidents occurring between November 2022 and May 2024 in Woodstock, Oxfordshire.
Details of the Charges
According to Thames Valley Police, all three charges relate to nonfatal intentional strangulation against the same individual. SpencerChurchill was arrested on May 13, 2023, and is scheduled to appear in Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Background of the Duke
- Full Name: Charles James SpencerChurchill
- Known as: Jamie Blandford
- Age: 70
- Inherited Dukedom: 2014
- Previous Title: Marquess of Blandford
SpencerChurchill belongs to one of Britain’s most distinguished families. His family home, Blenheim Palace, dates back over 300 years and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace is managed by the Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation, which has stated it cannot comment on the ongoing legal matters involving the duke.
Family Ties
As a distant relative of Sir Winston Churchill, SpencerChurchill is a third cousin, three times removed. He also shares a connection to the late Princess Diana through the Spencer lineage. Historically significant events have taken place at Blenheim Palace, including a reception for European leaders hosted by the King in July 2024.
Previous Challenges
The Duke has a welldocumented struggle with drug addiction. His personal challenges and the current charges raise significant concerns about his conduct. The Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation emphasizes that the ongoing legal proceedings pertain strictly to SpencerChurchill’s personal life.
As these events unfold, the public and media will closely monitor the situation surrounding the Duke of Marlborough and the implications of these serious charges of intentional strangulation.