Cat Jarman

Catrine Lie Spencer, Countess Spencer (formerly Jarman; born 1982) is a Norwegian archaeologist and television presenter. She is the fourth wife of Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, the younger brother of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Early life and education Jarman was born Catrine Lie in Norway in 1982. She studied at the University of Oslo, graduating with a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in 2012. Her master's thesis was titled "Identities home and abroad: An isotopic study of Viking Age Norway and the British Isles". Her doctoral thesis was titled "Resolving Repton: the nature of the Viking winter camp", Her 2023 book The Bone Chests: Unlocking the Secrets of the Anglo-Saxons was called "an enthusiastic guide through England's early medieval past" by History Today.

In July 2024, she was awarded the Dan David Prize for "Archaeology of the Viking Age and public archaeology".

Her archaeological work was featured on eight episodes of BBC Two television series Digging for Britain.

Jarman presents the history podcast The Rabbit Hole Detectives with Richard Coles and Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer. Together they wrote The Rabbit Hole Book, published by Michael Joseph in 2024.

Personal life Jarman was previously married and has two children. She has multiple sclerosis, having been diagnosed in 2016.

Jarman's relationship with Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, was publicly confirmed in 2024 while he and his third wife, Karen Gordon, were divorcing. On 15 May 2026, Jarman married Spencer in Sedona, Arizona, United States.

In October 2024, she brought a claim against Gordon for alleged misuse of private information relating to her MS diagnosis. The claim was settled in December 2025 via a Part 36 provision, with Spencer ordered to indemnify some of the costs as part of the Spencers' divorce arbitration.

Selected works Articles

Books River Kings: A new history of the Vikings from Scandinavia to the Silk Roads William Collins (2021) The Bone Chests: Unlocking the secrets of the Anglo-Saxons William Collins (2023) The Rabbit Hole Book with Richard Coles and Charles Spencer, Michael Joseph (2024)