British police have formally charged a senior aristocrat and distant relative of Winston Churchill with serious assault offences. Charles James Spencer-Churchill, the 12th Duke of Marlborough, faces three counts of intentional strangulation.
Details of the Charges and Investigation
The Thames Valley Police force confirmed the charges on Wednesday. The alleged offences are said to have occurred on three separate occasions: in November 2022, and then in January and May of 2024. All incidents are reported to have taken place in Woodstock, a town in central England near Oxford.
The 70-year-old duke, who is commonly known as Jamie Blandford, was initially arrested in May of last year in connection with the allegations. Following a prolonged investigation, authorities have now issued him a summons. He is required to appear at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday to answer to the charges.
The Duke's Prominent Lineage and Estate
The Spencer-Churchill family is one of Britain's most notable aristocratic lineages. The Duke is the 12th to hold the title, and his ancestral home is the world-famous Blenheim Palace in Woodstock. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only a major tourist attraction but also the birthplace of former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill.
The palace has also hosted high-profile visitors, including former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018. The estate made headlines earlier this year when two men were jailed for stealing a unique 18-carat golden toilet, valued at an estimated $6 million, which was once installed as a functional art piece at the palace.
Wider Family Connections
Beyond his relation to the famed wartime leader, the Duke is also connected to the late Princess Diana through the Spencer family line. Princess Diana was the first wife of the current monarch, King Charles III. These connections place the Duke within an extensive network of Britain's historical and contemporary elite.
The upcoming court appearance will bring significant attention to a case that involves serious criminal allegations against a figure from one of the country's most storied families. The legal process will now determine the outcome of the charges brought by Thames Valley Police.
