The Duke of Marlborough has indicated not guilty pleas to strangling his estranged wife Edla Marlborough.
He was photographed arriving at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on Monday wearing a black Patagonia puffer jacket as he entered.
The Duke of Marlborough is alleged to have strangled his estranged wife Edla Marlborough on three separate occasions, including following an argument in the garden at their property, the court heard.
High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court was told Charles James Spencer-Churchill, who gave his address as Blenheim Palace, is accused of hitting Ms Marlborough several times before putting his hands around her neck on November 13, 2022.
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The court was told on April 23, 2023, Ms Marlborough ran into a laundry room before the defendant is alleged to have grabbed her, hit her with a closed fist and strangled her.
The final allegation is that the duke pushed Ms Marlborough on the bed and assaulted her after putting his hands tightly around her neck on January 29, 2024.
Spencer-Churchill appeared in the dock on Monday wearing a navy suit, white shirt and blue tie and spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and his indicated not guilty pleas.
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.
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.
(Image: Getty Images)
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.
A foundation spokesman previously 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.”