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Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville splits from wife Lulu after 25 years

Hugh and Lucinda 'Lulu' Williams wed in 1998

Hugh Bonneville and Lulu Williams at premiere
Phoebe Tatham
Content Writer
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Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville has split from his wife Lucinda Williams after 25 years of marriage.

A spokesperson for the actor told The Sun: "I can confirm that Hugh Bonneville and Lulu Williams have separated."

Lulu Williams in silk trousers and Hugh Bonneville in a suit on the red carpet© Getty
Lulu Williams and Hugh Bonneville tied the knot in 1998

HELLO! has contacted a representative for comment.

The couple tied the knot in 1998 and welcomed their son, Felix, shortly after. Meanwhile, on their 20th wedding anniversary, the former couple travelled to the Graceland Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas to renew their vows.

Hugh and Lulu at Wimbledon in 2018© Getty
Hugh and Lulu at Wimbledon in 2018

While Hugh, 59, tends to keep his family out of the spotlight, he did share a rare glimpse inside his life as a father during a candid chat with online magazine, Parents.

"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 said.

"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.'"

hugh bonneville and wife attending a Downton Abbey premiere © Getty
Hugh and Lulu attending a Downton Abbey premiere

News of Hugh and Lulu's split comes after the actor stepped out in London for his co-star Michelle Dockery's fairytale nuptials.

Hugh, who starred as Lord Grantham in the popular period drama, looked every inch the 'proud father' as he mingled with wedding guests on Michelle's big day.

Michelle and Jasper attend the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 03, 2022 © Getty
Michelle and Jasper tied the knot in September

For the special occasion, Hugh donned an off-white suit which he paired with a bright blue silk tie. He was pictured with the likes of Jim Carter who starred as his trusty butler Carson on the hit ITV show.

Hugh and Jim weren't the only members of the Downton Abbey cast to witness Michelle and her beau Jasper Waller-Bridge exchange vows at the altar.

Laura Carmichael, who played Michelle's on-screen sister Lady Edith Crawley, attended as a bridesmaid. The actress, 37, looked beautiful in a sea-green gown which perfectly complemented Michelle's gorgeous Emilia Wickstead white satin wedding dress.

WATCH: Hugh Bonneville talks about the future of Downton Abbey

Also in attendance was Joanne Froggatt who looked nothing short of sophisticated in a teal-hued maxi dress crafted by Ghost complete with a billowing A-line skirt, capped sleeves and myriad buttons running down the front.

The actress, who starred as Anna Bates in the hugely popular period drama, spruced up her look with a dazzling fitted white linen blazer from high-street favourite Topshop and a pair of coordinating white stilettos. Perfection!

Michelle and Laura as Lady Mary and Lady Edith in Downton Abbey© ITV
Michelle and Laura as Lady Mary and Lady Edith in Downton Abbey

She wore her flowing blonde locks in cascading waves and finished off her wedding guest attire with an alluring Manolo Blahnik clutch adorned with giant white polka-dots.

As well as Downton creator Julian Fellowes, stars Lily James and Elizabeth McGovern, a whole host of other celebrities were also in attendance including the groom's older sister, Fleabag and Indiana Jones star Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and The Crown actress Lesley Manville.

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