Billionaire Gretel Packer is understood to have taken major steps to protect daughter Francesca Packer-Barham’s vast inheritance ahead of her marriage to failed wellness entrepreneur Robert Bates.
Francesca and Robert tied the knot this week in an intimate ceremony at the Packer family’s sprawling Ellerston estate near Scone in regional NSW.
And according to news.com.au, Gretel – whose personal fortune is estimated to be close to $3billion – played a key role in drafting a strict prenuptial agreement designed to safeguard Francesca’s wealth should the marriage end.
The move is believed to stem from Gretel’s own experiences with divorce.
Her split from second husband Shane Murray resulted in a lengthy legal battle that was eventually settled privately, with reports at the time estimating the payout at around $5million.
Insiders reportedly claim the agreement signed by Robert is likely highly detailed, with provisions that could include payments tied to the length of the marriage, milestone anniversaries, or the birth of children.
Billionaire Gretel Packer (right) is understood to have taken major steps to protect daughter Francesca Packer-Barham’s (left) vast inheritance ahead of her marriage to failed wellness entrepreneur Robert Bates
Francesca and Robert (left) tied the knot this week in an intimate ceremony at the Packer family’s sprawling Ellerston estate near Scone in regional NSW
The prenup rumours come after billionaire heiress Francesca wed Robert on Wednesday in front of just 18 guests.
The 31-year-old said ‘I do’ on the grounds of the opulent 30,000-hectare property, with guests including her mother Gretel, grandmother Roslyn and her father, Nick Barham.
Nick’s second wife, Miss World contestant Karen Carwin, was also among the guests at the three-day party at the estate.
Francesca opted for a non-denominational, civil ceremony, with Gretel reportedly walking her down the aisle.
Her younger brother, Ben, is believed to have acted as a groomsman, as did Francesca’s half-brother William.
Members of Robert’s family were likewise in attendance at the intimate celebration.
A major motivation for holding the wedding on home turf was the health of Francesca’s grandmother, who is reportedly suffering mobility issues after two hip replacements and two knee replacements, news.com.au reports.
The socialite originally planned to marry Robert under a full moon in Spain.
According to news.com.au, Gretel – whose personal fortune is estimated to be close to $3billion – played a key role in drafting a strict prenuptial agreement designed to safeguard Francesca’s wealth should the marriage end
The move is believed to stem from Gretel’s own experiences with divorce. Her split from second husband Shane Murray (right) resulted in a lengthy legal battle that was eventually settled privately, with reports at the time estimating the payout at around $5million
Francesca originally planned a three-day celebration to align with the lunar cycle, with the festivities ending on the night of July 29, when the full moon emerges.
The plans are inspired by Francesca’s ‘interest in spirituality and crystals’, the Daily Telegraph alleged.
While the Spanish celebration will go ahead, it turns out that Packer will already be married when she greets her guests.
Packer will reportedly next celebrate at a hens’ party in Majorca on June 16, with the ‘unconventional’ event combining both the hens and bucks nights.
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