Alwen Hughes, Wife of Disgraced TV Star Rolf Harris, Dies Aged 93
Alwen Hughes, the wife of infamous TV star and convicted paedophile Rolf Harris, has died aged 93. Her death comes just over a year after Harris passed away from neck cancer in May 2023.
Stood by Harris Through Infamous Trial
A former jeweller and sculptor, Hughes stood loyally by Harris during his 2014 trial where he was convicted of 12 indecent assaults on four underage girls. The crimes dated back to between 1968 and 1986. Despite the serious charges, she attended the trial every day alongside their daughter, Bindi.
The couple had been married for 65 years before Harris’s death. Hughes suffered from Alzheimer’s disease in later years and had been in poor health, often seen in a wheelchair before she passed.
A Life Marked by Loyalty and Eccentricity
Born in North London on December 26, 1931, Hughes grew up in Wales. Known for her eccentric style, she famously chose a poodle as her bridesmaid when marrying Harris in 1958. The pair met at art school and tied the knot at St Saviour’s Church in Paddington.
Throughout Harris’s imprisonment at HMP Stafford, Hughes remained devoted, visiting him regularly. After his release, Harris led a reclusive life, cared for by Hughes and carers.
End of a Controversial Chapter
Rolf Harris, once a beloved entertainer, was jailed for nearly six years following his conviction in 2014 for sexually assaulting girls as young as seven. Although further charges resulted in a hung jury in 2017, Harris expressed relief that the proceedings were over, wanting to spend his final days with his ailing wife.
Hughes’ death closes a difficult and dark chapter for both, marked by public scandal and legal battles.
