The Duke of Marlborough, previously known as Jamie Blandford, has been charged with intentional strangulation. Charles James Spencer-Churchill, a relative of both Sir Winston Churchill and Diana, Princess of Wales, is facing three charges spanning from November 2022 to May 2024, according to Thames Valley Police.
The 70 year old aristocrat has been summoned to appear at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday following his arrest on May 13 last year. The charges of non-fatal intentional strangulation are alleged to have occurred in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, against the same individual.
Known to his family as Jamie, Spencer-Churchill is the 12th Duke of Marlborough and belongs to one of Britain’s most prestigious families. He has publicly battled drug addiction in the past.
(Image: Tim Graham)
Spencer-Churchill, who is related to wartime Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill – a first cousin, three times removed – and also distantly related to Diana through the Spencer line, inherited his dukedom in 2014 after the death of his father, the 11th Duke of Marlborough.
Before becoming the Duke, the twice-married Spencer-Churchill held the title of Marquess of Blandford and was also known as Jamie Blandford. His ancestral home is the historic Blenheim Palace – the birthplace of Sir Winston – located in Woodstock.
However, the duke doesn’t actually own the 18th century baroque mansion – and plays no part in operating the residence and sprawling estate, which holds Unesco World Heritage status and draws countless tourists to its parklands crafted by “Capability” Brown.
Back in 1994, the previous duke launched court proceedings to prevent his son and successor from gaining control of the ancestral home.
Blenheim falls under the ownership and management of the Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation.
(Image: The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images)
A foundation spokesman commented: “Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation is aware legal proceedings have been brought against the Duke of Marlborough.
“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 foundation is not owned or managed by the Duke of Marlborough, but by independent entities run by boards of trustees.”
His Majesty held a gathering at Blenheim Palace for European dignitaries in July 2024, whilst Her Majesty, who was then the Duchess of Cornwall, accompanied Spencer-Churchill for the reveal of a Sir Winston bust within the palace grounds back in 2015.
The stately home also became notorious for the audacious theft of a £4.75 million golden loo in 2019, when a criminal gang broke into the palace and made off with the working 18-carat gold toilet.
The duke’s spokespeople have been contacted for a response.