There has been a new development in the legal battle between Countess Spencer, Karen Spencer and Catrine Jarman. It comes just two months after it was reported that Countess Karen and the Earl Spencer had finalised their divorce.
At Court 17 in the Royal Courts of Justice, Countess Karen was held responsible for the disclosure of Catrine’s MS diagnosis without her consent. The case has now been settled with Countess Karen ordered to pay damages and costs. The judgement came during Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.
A statement issued on behalf of Catrine by her legal counsel, Dina Siloh, said: “Today, in open court, the facts of this case have been put on the public record and Professor Jarman’s fight for the right to medical privacy has been affirmed and won. Multiple Sclerosis is a deeply personal diagnosis. The decision of when, how and to whom that information is disclosed belonged to Professor Jarman alone. That right was taken from her.
“At no point has the Defendant apologised to Professor Jarman for the disclosure of her private medical information. At no point has the Defendant provided a complete list ofthe individuals she told. Professor Jarman is pleased that these proceedings are concluded and is looking forward to moving forward with her academic life. She will continue to use her platform to support the vital work of the MS Society and to promote awareness of a condition that affects over 150,000 people in the UK. She hopes that this case sends a clear message: medical privacy is not negotiable.”
In a separate statement, Earl Spencer said: “Cat has handled every aspect of this with grace, integrity and quiet courage. Shesought only what was her right: the same right to privacy that every persondeserves. Multiple sclerosis is a serious condition; its course is uncertain and itsdemands are significant. Those who live with the condition deserve completecontrol over when, how and to whom they choose to disclose it.”
Catrine’s ex-husband, Tom, who initially told the Countess about the diagnosis, said: “The exchanges between Lady Spencer and myself were of a very sensitive and private nature. In my naivety, I didn’t envisage a situation where these very delicate discussions might have become public. Their disclosure has been distressing and has had a significantly harmful impact on all involved and on Cat in particular. This is a source of huge personal regret, particularly as they misrepresent my view of Cat as a very decent person of good character.
“From subsequent actions it seems I misjudged Lady Spencer as I sincerely believed that she would act with empathy and discretion. Any private speculation around Cat’s condition was just that: private. It was not material to weaponise in the public domain. Lady Spencer and I did not ultimately agree on her view of what may or may not have occurred in the time preceding Cat and Earl Spencer’s relationship beginning, nor whether it had precipitated the end of either previous relationship. Lady Spencer’s assertions somewhat mischaracterise this. My relationship with Cat evolved and we had agreed to separate some years prior to her relationship with Earl Spencer beginning. Cat and I remain close friends and committed co-parents to our sons.”
Countess Karen is yet to respond to the ruling.
Legal case
The Countess was involved in a legal battle with Earl Spencer’s girlfriend, Professor Catrine Jarman, after Catrine claimed that Countess Karen had revealed her MS diagnosis to Charles and staff at Althorp.
In her defence, Countess Karen revealed details about the split, such as her contention that her 13-year-marriage was ended by her husband via text message (a claim the Earl refutes). She also allegedly refused to allow the Earl’s new lover into Althorp while she was still living there, claiming it was too painful for her, the children and the staff.
The case was settled out of court in December 2025, with both parties claiming “vindication”. A ruling by Mr Justice Peel read: “My award was intended to determine the financial claims between Lord and Lady Spencer and to bring the financial liabilities of proceedings between Prof Jarman to an end in that context alone which I did by financially incentivising, effectively requiring Lord Spencer to indemnify, Lady’s Spencer’s acceptance of the Part 36 offer.
“My award was made using what power I had to bring those proceedings to an end.”
© GettyA spokesperson for the Countess told HELLO! at the time: “Countess Spencer confirms that the legal proceedings brought against her by Cat Jarman have been resolved in an agreed settlement. Countess Spencer considers her position to have been fully vindicated.
“There was no admission of liability or wrongdoing, and Earl Spencer has been ordered to pay the legal costs, which are expected to be in excess of £2m together with £4,500 in damages to be paid to his girlfriend Cat Jarman. Countess Spencer sincerely hopes this will mark the end of the matter.”
© InstagramProfessor Jarman said in a statement: “I brought my privacy claim after my private medical information was shared without my consent. As someone living with Multiple Sclerosis, I have the unquestionable right to decide when and how to share such sensitive details. Pursuing the claim was a necessary and principled step to protect that right, as well as my career and livelihood.
“The matter has now been resolved after the other party chose to settle the claim, and I regard that outcome as a clear vindication of my decision to take action. I am relieved to be able to move forward and glad the other side saw sense in bringing this matter to a close, sparing everyone further distress. I acted on principle and to defend my privacy at a time when it had been seriously violated.”
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