Hugh Bonneville has graced our screens as Robert, Earl of Grantham in Downton Abbey for five years. Hugh is known for his many roles including Downton, Notting Hill and the Paddington movies, but his life away from his busy acting career has been making headlines. In 2024, the star divorced from his wife of 25 years and, more recently, has been pictured stepping out with his new girlfriend, vegan activist, Heidi Kadlecova.
Hugh Bonneville's marriage and divorce
In October 2023, it was confirmed that Hugh and his wife Lucinda Williams, known as Lulu, had separated. The pair tied the knot in 1998 and resided in West Sussex with their son, Felix, 25. A statement released to The Sun, the couple's representative said: "I can confirm that Hugh Bonneville and Lulu Williams have separated." At the time, HELLO! reached out to Hugh's representatives for a comment.
The couple mostly kept their private life out of the spotlight, with Hugh rarely sharing photos of his wife on social media. He did, however, open up about his home life during an interview with the Daily Mail in 2011, when Lulu was a "full-time mum". In the same interview, he said: "Lulu's priority has been to be a bedrock for Felix and me and I'm completely indebted to her."
Who is Hugh Bonneville dating?
In 2024, the Paddington actor was rumoured to be dating Canadian actress Claire Rankin. In March, the pair seemingly confirmed their romance when they were photographed linking arms while on a date night in London. It was reported at the time that Hugh and Claire had enjoyed a string of dates in the capital city following the actor's divorce from wife Lulu.
Claire is no stranger to the acting world having obtained credits in films such as Molly's Game and Seven in Heaven, as well as the TV Show, Ally McBeal. She's also appeared in many theatre productions. Claire was previously married to the actor Josh Randall, who happened to appear alongside Hugh in the US sitcom, Courting Alex.
© GettyHowever, shortly after, Hugh was linked with vegan influencer and campaigner, Heidi Kadlecova. Notoriously private, the two confirmed their romance in October – three months after they were initially linked – when they were pictured kissing in London. However, it wasn't long before Heidi and Hugh's relationship quickly hit headlines, despite both parties have refrained from commenting. On several occasions, Heidi has reportedly been on hand to support Hugh at high-profile events too but tended to avoid the cameras.
After confirming their romance in October 2024, the duo stepped out for their first appearance as a couple on Saturday, 8 February. Heidi was spotted supporting her beau as he prepared to host an event for the Mostly British Film Festival. She joined Hugh at the Vogue Theatre in San Francisco, California where she sported a velvet blazer in a rich wine hue for the occasion. The night proved to be quite the milestone for the couple, who, until then, had largely kept their budding relationship out of the spotlight.
© Getty ImagesWhat has Hugh Bonneville said about his family?
As mentioned, Hugh has mostly kept his private life out of the public spotlight, but he has opened up about his thoughts on being a parent. "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," he told Parents magazine. "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.'"
