AceShowbiz - After nearly 13 years of marriage, Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer and younger brother to the late Princess Diana, has announced his divorce from Karen Spencer. The split comes during a period of deep personal and historical reflection for Charles, as he delves into his past in his newly written memoir, "A Very Private School".

Charles, 60, shared the news of the separation with The Mail on Sunday, expressing his sadness over the end of the marriage and his intentions to focus on his children and grandchildren. "It is immensely sad," Charles conveyed to the outlet. "I just want to devote myself to all my children, and to my grandchildren, and I wish Karen every happiness in the future."

Their split was reportedly announced to the staff at Althorp House, the historic English estate where Charles grew up alongside his sister, Princess Diana, and where the couple married on June 18, 2011.

The timing coincides with the writing of Charles' new memoir, which details his traumatic boarding school experiences and subsequent therapy. In his book, Charles sheds light on the emotional and sexual abuse he suffered when he's younger and his efforts to understand his relationship patterns through professional help.

Reflecting on his first two failed marriages and his complex history, Charles wrote, "When looking at the wreckage of my first and second marriages, I learned early in therapy that being sent away to boarding school at eight years of age meant that I had next to no understanding of intimacy." This revelation played a significant role in his latest personal journey and his work on the memoir.

The split marks the end of Karen's life at Althorp House, where she resided since their marriage. The couple shares a 12-year-old daughter, Charlotte Diana, named in honor of Princess Diana. Karen, an accomplished social entrepreneur and CEO of Whole Child International, also has two older daughters from her previous marriage to Hollywood producer Mark Gordon while Charles has six children from his two previous marriages.

Despite the marital end, Charles acknowledged Karen's significant support during his introspective journey. "Karen has been supportive," he told PEOPLE. "I think it was very challenging for her to have a husband going through what was essentially four and a half years of the most profound therapy with very difficult undertones to it. And she supported the idea of me doing it."

He added, "I think she always hoped I would come out happier and healthier. And that seems to be the case very much. So, I'm grateful to have her standing by me while I went through this, what I now realize was an essential process."

The divorce of Charles and Karen Spencer reflects the poignant fusion of personal growth and life's inevitable transitions. Their story is not only one of an end but also of new beginnings and the pursuit of personal happiness and understanding.