**Princess Diana’s Family Heirloom: The Story Behind Charles Spencer’s Estranged Wife Karen’s Engagement Ring**

Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer and brother of Princess Diana, recently made headlines as he announced his separation from his third wife, Karen Gordon, in June 2024.

What makes this news even more intriguing is the background story of the engagement ring that was once a cherished possession of Princess Diana's relatives.

Back in February 2011, the couple chose the picturesque setting of the 13,000-acre garden at Althorpe House, Charles's ancestral home in Northamptonshire, to share their engagement news with the world.

Karen, dressed in a smart white shirt, leaned affectionately on her fiancé, but what caught everyone's attention was the stunning ring adorning her finger.

On the occasion of their 10th engagement anniversary, Karen proudly displayed her triple diamond ring, a precious piece that had been passed down through generations within Charles' family.

The ring originally belonged to Charles' great-grandmother, Countess Margaret Spencer, who received it on her wedding day to the 6th Earl Spencer in 1855, making the exquisite rock over 150 years old.

Reflecting on the sentimental value of the ring, Karen shared, “In all the research I've done in the historical books here about the contents of the house, I've learned that my ring was originally given to Charles' great-grandmother Margaret on her wedding day by her sister-in-law, Sarah Spencer.”

This connection to the past added a deeper layer of significance to the already precious heirloom.

The relationship between Charles and Karen has had its share of interesting moments, including their engagement on June 18th, coinciding with the day of the marriage of the 6th Earl and Countess Margaret.

The couple's journey together began when they were introduced by a mutual acquaintance in Los Angeles in 2010, culminating in a heartfelt proposal within the first year of their relationship.

Their wedding at Althorp House in June 2011 was a joyous occasion, marked by Karen's radiant presence in a white lace dress and Charles' elegant attire in a navy blue striped suit.

The couple started a new chapter in their lives, welcoming their daughter Charlotte a year after their marriage, although the nephews of Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry, were unable to attend the ceremony.

However, after 12 years of marriage, Charles and Karen decided to part ways in 2024.

In an emotional statement to the Mail on Sunday, Charles expressed his desire to focus on his children and grandchildren, wishing Karen happiness in her future endeavors.

Amidst the news of their separation, the fate of the treasured engagement ring remains uncertain, leaving a lingering sense of nostalgia and history intertwined with the couple's journey.