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

It’s been revealed that Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville’s marriage is over – just days after he attended a co-star’s nuptials without his wedding ring.

Hugh Bonneville and his wife of 25 years, Lulu, have split.

Downton Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville has broken up with wife Lucinda “Lulu” Williams after 25 years of marriage.

“I can confirm that Hugh Bonneville and Lulu Williams have separated,” a spokesman for the actor told the UK Sun.

The split was Bonneville’s decision, a source told the outlet, adding that Williams felt as though their 25-year marriage counted “for nothing” as the actor has been busy in other aspects of his life, reports Page Six.

“Hugh has been away from home filming a lot this year,” they said. “He has lost a bit of weight this summer, he was looking trim, tanned and relaxed.”

The pair had been married for 25 years. Picture: Joe Maher/Getty Images

The former couple first sparked split rumours when Bonneville, 59, attended Downton Abbey co-star Michelle Dockery’s wedding last week without Williams and without his wedding ring.

They had last been publicly photographed in April while attending a gala at the Old Vic Theatre in London.

Bonneville in a scene from the Downton Abbey film. Picture: Universal Pictures.

He previously referred to his estranged wife as his “bedrock” and “anchor,” according to the UK Sun.

“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,” he once said, jokingly adding that it did “infuriate” him that he had to “give full credit” to his mother.

At the Downton Abbey premiere in NYC in 2019. Picture: Theo Wargo/Getty Images

They renewed their vows at the Graceland chapel in Las Vegas just five years ago to celebrate their 20th anniversary.

Bonneville met Williams when they were teenagers, but they didn’t become romantic until his mum reintroduced them in their 30s.

They tied the knot in November 1998 and share one son together – Felix, 20.

Bonneville’s rep didn’t immediately return Page Six’s request for comment.

This article originally appeared in Page Six and was reproduced with permission.