The Gold star Hugh Bonneville's tragic divorce before meeting new girlfriend
Actor Hugh Bonneville was married to Lulu Williams for 25 years before they announced their split in September 2023.
The news came just eight days after the couple, who married back in 1998, were pictured smiling together at a wedding ceremony.
And only five years previous, Hugh and Lulu celebrated their two-decade union by renewing their vows at Graceland Chapel in Las Vegas. But half a decade on, Hugh's representative confirmed their split.
According to the chapel's website during the time of their vow renewal: "Hugh Bonneville and his wife Lulu Williams stopped by in early August to renew their marriage vows. The British actor, who played Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham, on Downtown Abbey, and Williams first married in 1998."
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A source with close ties to the pair spoke of the breakup, saying: "It's a shame as locally they were known to be a very sociable couple. Hugh has been away from home filming a lot this year. He has lost a bit of weight this summer, he was looking trim, tanned and relaxed."
Hugh, 61, and Lulu, 57, tied the knot in November 1998, after which Hugh admitted he was shocked that he'd actually got married, fearing he would never find The One.
After his vows, he said: 'I thought I would be a bachelor for years. I've often been the guy who doesn't get the girl.'
Hugh and Lulu's love story was the stuff of fairy tales, having first crossed paths in their teen years, only to rekindle their romance decades later thanks to a little matchmaking from Hugh's mother, Patricia.
Hugh fondly recounted: "Lulu was running a marquee company... my mother rang her to hire some chairs or something and said, 'Do you remember Hugh?' and that was how we reconnected. It did infuriate me that I had to give full credit to my mum for reintroducing us."
They lived near each other in England's West Sussex and previously explained that they refused to let the glitz of Hollywood affect them.
Together, Hugh and Lulu are proud parents to their 22-year-old son, Felix. The couple chose to keep their family life relatively private but speaking to the magazine Parents, Hugh once opened up about fatherhood.
He said: "I think the absolute key one is don't force your child to do the things you failed to do and wanted to do, like playing the piano or something.
"Another great piece of advice that someone once said to me when my little boy was arriving was, 'Hug him close, and let him fly.'"
In October 2024, Hugh confirmed he's in a new relationship with Heidi Kadlecova.
In photos obtained by the Mail Online, the actor and 53 year old vegan influencer Heidi could be seen sharing a kiss on the streets of London and in another snap, Hugh lovingly had his arm around Heidi.
According to reports, Hugh has also introduced Heidi to the cast and crew of his new movie, Go Away!. During their time on set, the pair were reportedly spotted sharing cuddles in between scenes, with a source claiming that Hugh's mood changed considerably in the presence of Heidi.
Commenting on their romance, a source told Mail Online: "Hugh and Heidi seemed really loved up and excited to be in each other's company.
"Her being on set brought out another side to him, he was like a different person on set when she was around, considerably perkier." The source added: "He introduced her to everybody connected with the project and they came across as a really sweet pair, like a couple of lovebirds."
Immediately after his split, Hugh was rumoured to be dating Canadian actress Claire Rankin, known for her roles in the films, Molly's Game and Seven in Heaven, as well as the TV show, Ally McBeal.
They were spotted together in March, but decided not to address the rumours. By July, Hugh was spotted with Heidi.
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