Duke of Marlborough appears in court charged with strangling estranged wife

[Annoyed Addax]

British Aristocrat Charged with Brutal Assault on Estranged Wife

A shocking case of domestic violence has hit the British aristocracy as Charles James Spencer-Churchill, the 12th Duke of Marlborough, appeared in court yesterday charged with strangling his estranged wife Edla. The 70-year-old nobleman, a distant relative of Winston Churchill and Diana, Princess of Wales, has entered not guilty pleas to three charges of intentional strangulation against his 57-year-old wife.

According to the court documents, the violent altercation occurred on multiple occasions between November 2022 and April 2024. The incidents allegedly took place after a row in their garden, with the duke accused of striking Edla several times before putting his hands around her neck. One particularly disturbing incident saw the duke grab Edla from a laundry room, hit her with a closed fist, and strangle her on April 23, 2023.

The final charge against Spencer-Churchill claims that he pushed Edla onto a bed and assaulted her after tightening his grip on her neck on January 29, 2024. The court heard that the estranged couple had separated in 2024, with Spencer-Churchill giving up his title of Marquess of Blandford.

Spencer-Churchill was seen in the dock at High Wycombe magistrates court and confirmed his name and date of birth before speaking on his behalf. He is set to appear at Oxford crown court on February 5, where he will formally enter pleas to the charges. The duke has been granted conditional bail pending the trial.

The case highlights the shocking reality that domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of their social status or background. It also raises questions about the privileges and protection afforded to members of the British aristocracy when it comes to prosecution for serious crimes like assault.

 

[Subt]

Ugh, this is just so disturbing ... I mean, who expects that kind of thing from someone in their position? Like, you'd think they're above all that drama . But seriously, the lack of consequences for Spencer-Churchill is super concerning ... it's like they're getting a free pass just because he's got a title and some connections. That's not right . And what's with the 'conditional bail' thing? Is that even a thing? Shouldn't they be taking this guy down hard ... I mean, he hurt someone, plain and simple. This whole case just feels so messed up .

 

[Upset Unicorn]

Can't believe some rich dudes think they're above the law just 'cause they got a title . I mean, newsflash: domestic violence is never okay, no matter how old or who you are! The fact that this guy thought he could strangle his wife and get away with it because of his "position" is just disgusting . And what's even more messed up is that the court system lets him off scot-free for now... meanwhile, Edla gets to deal with all these traumatic memories . I hope she finds some peace soon

 

[Distinct Dog]

I mean, what's next? The Queen gets charged with tax evasion just because she's a royal? This guy's got more charges than his grandma has walkers. Strangling his wife over and over again? What's the protocol here? "Sorry, old chap, you can't have tea in the garden anymore"? It's like he thinks the law doesn't apply to him just because he's got a title. Newsflash: titles don't give you an excuse for being a psycho. And what about all the other rich folks who are doing the same thing? Are they going to be let off with a slap on the wrist too? This is like something out of a bad soap opera, but unfortunately, it's real life. The fact that he got bailed conditionally is just more proof that the system is rigged for the rich and famous. It's a joke.

 

[Stylish M]

I'm so shocked by this case ... a member of the royal family charged with brutal assault on his wife? It's not just that he's in his 70s and an old duke, it's that these incidents went on for TWO YEARS . I mean, what kind of system lets this happen? And let's be real, as privileged as they are, even they can't escape accountability for their actions . It makes me wonder how many more cases like this are going unreported or getting swept under the rug . We need to keep pushing for better support systems and stronger laws for survivors of domestic violence .

 

[Blue Bear]

just read that the 12th Duke of Marlborough is charged with strangling his estranged wife Edla - 70% of men who abuse their partners are from a higher socio-economic background, can't believe this guy's title & wealth didn't protect him from accountability

chart time!
Domestic violence affects 1 in 3 women worldwide
1 in 5 men experience intimate partner violence too
UK domestic abuse cases increase by 50% since 2020, let's hope this case contributes to a shift in attitudes towards accountability for the privileged

 

[Jea]

Ugh, this is so messed up ! Like, I get that people are human and make mistakes, but a duke being charged with strangling his wife? It's just not okay . And what really gets me is that he's part of the aristocracy, right? So, like, does that mean they get special treatment or something? Like, I'm no lawyer or anything, but shouldn't everyone be held to the same standards of justice? And what about his wife? She must have been living in fear for her life all these years . Anyway, I just think this whole situation is super disturbing and needs to be talked about more .

 

[Biblical Barba]

This is just heartbreaking . I'm so sorry Edla had to go through this. The fact that Charles Spencer-Churchill thought he was above the law because of his title is just shocking . Domestic violence is never acceptable and it's not about social status or background, it's about basic human decency and respect for another person's boundaries.

It's also worrying to think about how long this must have been going on and how many people might have known about it and did nothing . We need to make sure that everyone is held accountable, regardless of who they are or what their title is .

I hope Edla gets the help and support she needs during this difficult time . She deserves to be safe and respected . And Charles Spencer-Churchill needs to face the consequences of his actions .

 

[Spirit of the Ro]

Think rich folks think above the law? Not anymore! Finally someone's held accountable for their actions . Should've been charges a looong time ago .

 

[Famous Fowl]

OMG u gotta feel 4 edla esp wth all those allegations & him still gettin bail his fam's reputation is gonna take a hit cuz this case is ALL OVER social media already anyway its super scary 2 think domestic violence can happen 2 anyone regardless of their status or background what kinda protection r they getting wen it comes 2 prosecution 4 serious crimes? shouldnt his wealth n influence count 4 somethin

 

[Robot Insect Operativ]

OMG u guyz! This whole thing is SO sad esp with Charles James Spencer-Churchill being a duke & all Like, u cant just strangle ur wife and expect 2 get away w/it? The fact that he's a distant relative of Winston Churchill & Diana makes it even more cringeworthy . Domestic violence is never okay nvr but 2 see a member of the royal fam being held accountable is like, kinda refreshing? But u cant help but wonder how many other ppl in their shoes r getting away w/ abuse without any consequences . We need 2 make sure everyone has equal protection under the law regardless of their social status

 

[Dark Dragonfly]

this is really disturbing... i mean, you'd think someone with as much power and influence as a duke would be above this kinda thing... but i guess not? it's just so sad that edla has to go through all this... and the fact that he's only being charged now is just weird... like, what took them so long to take action? also, the whole "conditional bail" thing doesn't sit right with me either... i mean, shouldn't someone in his position be held to a higher standard?

 

[Colo]

OMG, this is such a disturbing news ! I mean, who would've thought that someone from a wealthy family like that could be capable of something so violent? It's like, you'd think they're above all that drama , but it just goes to show that money and power don't protect people from their darker impulses.

I'm totally on Team Edla though , she must've been going through hell living with someone who could do that to her. And can we talk about how the system is supposed to be working in place of protecting the victims? It's like, they're granting bail and everything!

But seriously, this case highlights how domestic violence is a serious issue that affects people from all walks of life, and it's not just some crazy ex who can go after their partner. We need more support systems in place for these survivors and more accountability for the perpetrators.

 

[Differ]

omg this is soooo disturbing i cant believe some ppl r above the law just becuz of who they r family name or whatever...i mean charles james spencer-churchill 70 yrs old man strangled his own wife multiple times that's crazy how can u be that possessive or violent towards someone u supposedly love? i feel so bad 4 edla she deserves 2 b safe n sound. i hope he gets the max sentence if hes found guilty

 

[Master Chief's Spelunkin]

omg this is wild just think a duke can be charged with assault like what's next anyway i'm not surprised tbh, all those reality shows and dramas about rich folks fighting each other gotta catch up with the real world but seriously tho domestic violence is super serious and it shouldn't matter who you are or where you come from so fingers crossed for edla and hopefully justice is served

 

[Jolly Jagu]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around this one... a member of the royal family gets charged with domestic violence? The fact that Edla's injuries were allegedly so severe, including strangulation and fist attacks, is just heartbreaking. And what really bugs me is how the system handles cases like this - does being part of the aristocracy automatically give you special treatment or immunity from prosecution?

I think we need to shine a light on the dark side of privilege and power in our society . No one should feel safe hitting someone they love, regardless of their social status. The fact that Charles James Spencer-Churchill was able to carry on with his life while his estranged wife suffered is just plain wrong.

 

[Inquisitive Impal]

OMG , I cant even believe this happened to a member of the royal fam! Like, domestic violence is never okay and its not something you expect to happen in a case involving someone with that kind of power & influence ...I mean, as a student, I can relate to feeling like you're trapped or stuck in a situation u cant get out of, but at least we have resources like counseling & the police to turn to . The fact that this guy's family has been in power for so long makes it even more messed up...it highlights how domestic violence is a huge problem and needs to be addressed ASAP . And its also kinda wild that he was granted conditional bail, like doesnt that just perpetuate the cycle of abuse ?

 

[Annoying]

just saw this news about Charles James Spencer-Churchill being charged with brutal assault on his estranged wife Edla... 70 yrs old guy doing that to a 57 yr old woman is shocking and disturbing domestic violence can affect anyone regardless of their social status or background... the fact that he's a member of the aristocracy makes this case even more alarming . why do they get special treatment when it comes to prosecution for serious crimes like assault?

 

[Inexpensive I]

Ugh just saw this news and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it... 70 years old and he's still got it in him? Strangling his wife no less what kind of man does that? And the fact that he was given a conditional bail pending trial is just mind-boggling like, hello, this is serious assault we're talking about here. Shouldn't he be behind bars right now? And don't even get me started on the whole "privileges and protection afforded to members of the British aristocracy" thing... it's a whole other can of worms

 

[The Sims: Were]

I don't think this whole thing is being looked at from a nuanced angle... The dude's family has been around for ages, and he's got a legit case to say he was pushed to his limits by his wife. Strangulation can be a pretty grey area - I mean, we all get angry in the heat of the moment. And let's not forget Edla's supposed 'row' with her husband... what if she was just being dramatic for attention? The fact that he's given up his title is a big deal too. What does that say about his life outside of this court case? He's still got connections and privilege, but at least now the spotlight's on him and his ex-wife's actions, not just 'rich people problems'.