The husband of a GP who treated members of the Royal Family allegedly killed her by hitting her with an axe before strangling her, a court was told.
Mark Cain was arrested on Sunday after emergency crews were called to the family home he shared with his 45-year-old wife, Hannah, in Dersingham, Norfolk, close to the King’s Sandringham Estate.
Cain appeared before King’s Lynn Crown Court by video link from prison. He showed little emotion as prosecutor Steven Ball outlined the allegations at the request of the judge.
The court heard that the 45-year-old defendant had no previous convictions and was regarded as being of “previous good character”.
Mr Ball said: “Police attended the property in the early hours after Mr Cain reported a suspected burglary.
“Cain was found with superficial injuries. He told officers he had confronted an intruder downstairs while his wife was asleep on the floor above.
“His three children, aged eight, 11 and 13, were upstairs, along with two children from another family who were staying overnight.
“Mrs Cain was discovered unconscious and unresponsive in an upstairs bedroom.”
Mark Cain (right, pictured with two of the couple’s children) appeared in court this morning charged with murdering his wife, Hannah Cain (left)
Ms Cain, a GP who cared for members of the Royal Family, was found dead at her home near the Sandringham Estate in the early hours of Sunday
The prosecutor said initial post-mortem findings pointed to a blunt-force injury to the head, together with neck injuries “consistent with compression of the neck”.
The court heard that Cain later provided police with additional information, including an account of how his wife was allegedly killed.
Mr Justice Lickley KC told Cain that proceedings would be adjourned until December 3, when the case is expected to be assessed for medical reports.
A possible trial at Norwich Crown Court in June next year was discussed, although no date has yet been formally fixed.
Hannah Cain, also 45, worked as a GP and is understood to have provided medical care to members of the Royal Family, including senior figures such as Queen Camilla, according to reports.
The King and Queen are understood to have been informed of her death.
Grimston Medical Centre, near the Cain family home where Hannah worked, was closed on Monday. Colleagues said the decision followed “extremely difficult circumstances affecting our practice team”.
In a message shared on social media, a surgery spokesman said: “We are sorry to inform patients that Grimston Medical Centre, including the dispensary, is temporarily closed because of extremely difficult circumstances affecting our practice team.
“We apologise for the disruption and thank patients for their patience, understanding and support during this exceptionally difficult time for our colleagues.”
The practice added: “We have lost an outstanding doctor, a valued colleague and a dear friend. Her absence will be deeply felt throughout our health community.
‘The profound sense of shock and sadness across our practices and the wider NHS community speaks to the impact Hannah had on so many people.’
The statement continued: ‘Hannah was an exceptional doctor and a deeply valued member of our NHS and primary care community.
‘Highly intelligent, kind and generous, she brought warmth and positivity to those around her.
‘She gave freely of her time and knowledge and, in the words of colleagues who knew her well, was simply a joy to know and work with.
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Forensic teams are pictured outside the home in Dersingham, Norfolk, on Monday
‘Throughout her career, Hannah earned the trust and respect of colleagues through her professionalism, skill and commitment.
‘From her time in training through to becoming an accomplished doctor, she approached her work with tremendous care and a genuine determination to make a difference.
‘That was particularly evident in the way Hannah cared for her patients. She was a passionate advocate for people, taking time to listen and ensuring everyone felt heard, understood and cared for.
‘Improving patient care mattered deeply to her and was at the heart of her work.’
Known professionally as Dr Hannah Terry, Ms Cain also worked for the cosmetic treatments business Norfolk Sky Aesthetics.
Bouquets and tributes were left at the scene in the hours after Ms Cain’s death as forensics teams and police officers began their probe.
Villagers described the area as a normally peaceful spot and said they had been shocked by the tragedy.
One, who described how Ms Cain had lived in the area for around ten years, said: ‘She was just a lovely human being with three gorgeous young children.’
A neighbour in his 90s added: ‘I very rarely saw them. The children were lovely, two boys and a younger girl.
‘They used to kick their football into my garden and I’d throw it back to them, or they’d come and ask me if they could come in and look for it.’
Another man who has lived in the area for half a century said there was little crime there.
‘Dersingham might not have a centre but it’s got a heart,’ he said.
Another resident said: ‘It’s the sort of place where if you forget to lock your car and leave it out all night nothing will happen to it.’
One mourner, meanwhile, posted on Facebook: ‘Fly high and sleep well Dr Terry. You never deserved this to happen, heaven has gained an angel.
‘You were a lovely doctor who listened to us and helped us. Thinking of you and your family and your children and friends.’
A statement released by Norfolk Police on Tuesday read: ‘A man has been charged with murder following the death of a woman in Dersingham.
‘He was arrested after a woman’s body was found at an address in Fern Hill in the early hours of Sunday 4 October 2026.
‘Subject to confirmation at formal inquest proceedings the woman has been identified as 45-year-old Hannah Cain.
‘A Home Office post-mortem examination took place yesterday – the outcome of which is that the cause of death is pending further investigation.
‘This afternoon 45-year-old Mark Cain, of Fern Hill, Dersingham was charged with Hannah’s murder.
‘He has been remanded in custody to appear before Norwich Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning.
‘Specialist officers are continuing to support Hannah’s family, who have asked for privacy at this difficult time.’