Professor Cat Jarman arrived at the Royal Courts of Justice to see a two-page statement read in open court by her lawyer, settling a privacy row over her MS diagnosis. The statement was read before a judge and a few members of the press in Court 17.
The countess agreed in December to settle the case without accepting liability, on the condition that Earl Spencer indemnify her separately as part of their divorce payout. However, the saga continued as the parties quibbled over the wording of the statement. After the hearing, lawyers for Countess Spencer said she considers the 'matter closed'.
The matter is closed.
According to major media reports, Jarman brought the proceedings to vindicate her right to medical privacy and to secure recognition of the wrong done to her. She wishes to draw a line under the matter and move on. Jarman has sought to use her public profile to promote awareness of MS, working jointly with Earl Spencer and the MS Society. She was caused 'enormous strain and anxiety' after the countess was unable to provide a list of people she had told of the diagnosis.
The countess first learned of Jarman's MS diagnosis in late April 2024 during a private conversation with Jarman's former husband. She was told 'highly sensitive medical information' about Jarman's condition. Jarman had deliberately kept her diagnosis private, disclosing it only to a small group. The countess admitted she had 'told a few people' about the diagnosis, though the exact number remains unknown.