Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville has split from his wife Lulu Williams after 25 years of marriage.
It comes just days after Bonneville, 59, attended Downton Abbey co-star Michelle Dockery’s wedding ceremony without Lulu, 55.
A spokesman for Bonneville confirmed the couple had separated after living together in their West Sussex home for 25 years.
Bonneville and Lulu were last seen together in public at a gala at the Old Vic Theater in London in April.
Lulu often accompanied her husband to premieres and film sets and her recent absence sparked rumors that the couple was having problems.
The actor, famous for his role as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, has never shied away from expressing his love for Lulu, previously describing her as his “backbone” and “anchor” and his wife as that attributed to being the backbone of their household.
Bonneville was still wearing his gold wedding ring when he attended the coronation concert in May
Bonneville and Lulu were last seen together in public at a gala at the Old Vic Theater in London in April
But speculation grew after Bonneville attended Michelle Dockery and Jasper Waller-Bridge’s wedding ceremony last week without his wedding ring or his partner of 25 years
Hugh Bonneville and Lulu Evans at Viceroy’s House, Film Premiere, London, UK – February 21, 2017
Actor Hugh Bonneville and his wife Lulu Williams pose for photographers upon arrival at the world premiere of the film Paddington in London, Sunday November 23, 2014
Just last week, Bonneville was spotted grinning without his wedding ring at Dockery’s lavish wedding to Jasper Waller-Bridge – brother of Fleabag creator Phoebe.
A spokesperson for Hugh told The Sun: “Hugh has been out of the house filming a lot this year.” “He has lost some weight this summer, he looked fit, tanned and relaxed.”
The heartbreak comes just five years after the couple renewed their vows at Graceland Chapel in Las Vegas.
The couple met as teenagers but reconnected later in life and began dating in their thirties, thanks in no small part to Hugh’s mother Patricia.
Hugh said: “Lulu ran a marquee company… My mother called her to rent some chairs or something and said, ‘Do you remember Hugh?’
“It made me angry that I had to give my mother full credit for reintroducing us.”
Bonneville and Lulu later married in November 1998.
Hugh Bonneville and Lulu Williams at the world premiere of Downton Abbey at Cineworld Leicester Square, London. PA photo. Picture date: Monday September 9, 2019
Actor Hugh Bonneville and his wife Lulu Williams attend day four of the 2022 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon
Actor Hugh Bonneville and his wife Lulu Evans (R) arrive on the red carpet for the screening of the film “The Monuments Men” at the 64th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin on February 8, 2014
Lulu regularly accompanied her husband on set, including in 2013 during the filming of The Monuments Men (pictured at the film’s UK premiere in Leicester Square) with George Clooney
Lulu regularly accompanied her husband on set, including in 2013 when he filmed “The Monuments Men” with George Clooney.
Bonneville also admitted in 2009 that his wife helped him lose weight after she said he was “fat as a pig.”
In previous interviews, he claimed he was “totally indebted” to his wife for supporting him throughout his career and looking after their 20-year-old son Felix, who was enjoying success on screen in his own right.
“Lulu’s priority was to be a foundation for Felix and I and I am completely indebted to her,” he said.
Bonneville has played Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, in the BBC period drama since it launched in 2010, and revealed that the royal family are among the popular series’ many fans.
He was later appointed Deputy Lieutenant of West Sussex by the Royal Family in 2019.
He said of the appointment: “It’s nice because it’s in my county where I live and I do quite a lot there, like visiting schools and reading Paddington a lot.” It’s actually the same thing, just with a badge . I am very honored.’
He was seen wearing his gold ring while attending the King’s coronation concert on May 7 – again without Lulu.