Charles James Spencer-Churchill, the 12th Duke of Marlborough and historically known as Jamie Blandford, has been formally charged with three counts of intentional strangulation. The alleged offences occurred between November 2022 and May 2024 in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, targeting the same individual, according to Thames Valley Police.
The 70-year-old Duke was arrested on 13 May last year and is scheduled to appear at Oxford Magistrates' Court this Thursday. Despite his noble status, Spencer-Churchill has been no stranger to personal challenges, having openly battled drug addiction in the past.
A prominent figure from one of Britain’s most distinguished families, Spencer-Churchill is a first cousin, three times removed, of wartime Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, and also related through the Spencer lineage to Diana, Princess of Wales. He inherited the dukedom in 2014 following the death of his father, the 11th Duke of Marlborough.
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Before ascending to the dukedom, he was known as the Marquess of Blandford and carried the name Jamie Blandford. His ancestral seat is the historic Blenheim Palace—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill—located in Woodstock. However, the Duke does not own or manage the palace or its extensive grounds, which are operated by the independent Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation.
In fact, a legal dispute has existed within the family regarding control of Blenheim Palace. In 1994, the late 11th Duke sought to prevent his son from managing the estate, which is owned and maintained by the foundation. A spokesperson for the foundation stated, “We acknowledge the legal proceedings involving the Duke of Marlborough but cannot comment on his personal legal matters as they are ongoing criminal proceedings. The foundation is governed by independent boards and is separate from the Duke’s personal affairs.”
Blenheim Palace continues to draw visitors worldwide, renowned for its stunning parklands designed by “Capability” Brown and its rich history. The palace has also been the site of notable events, such as the 2019 theft of an 18-carat solid gold toilet, valued at £4.75 million.
The Duke’s representatives have been approached for comment on the charges but have yet to respond.