Rolf Harris's Widow, Alwen Hughes, Dies at 93, a Year After Disgraced Husband's Passing
Alwen Hughes, the widow of the disgraced entertainer Rolf Harris, has passed away at the age of 93, just a year after her husband's death. Alwen, who had been battling dementia, spent her final years at the couple's £5 million riverside home in Bray, Berkshire. Despite her own health struggles, Alwen remained a steadfast supporter of Harris throughout the turmoil surrounding his criminal convictions.
Rolf Harris, an Australian-born entertainer celebrated for his contributions to art and children’s television, was once a prominent figure in British cultural life. He gained fame with hits like “Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport” and even painted a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in 2005. However, his legacy was marred when, in 2014, he was convicted of 12 counts of indecent assault against four underage girls, spanning from the 1960s to the 1980s. The revelations came as part of the wider Operation Yewtree investigation into historical sexual abuse.
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At the time of his conviction, Harris was sentenced to nearly six years in prison, a sentence he served for about three years before his release on licence in 2017. During this period, Alwen stood by him unwaveringly, attending court hearings and maintaining a public defense of her husband, despite the gravity of his offenses.
Harris died in May of the previous year, also at the age of 93, succumbing to neck cancer and general frailty. In his final moments, he reportedly asked their daughter, Bindi, to take good care of Alwen, highlighting the depth of his concern for her even amidst his own failing health.
Alwen’s own final years were marked by her struggle with dementia, which had left her largely bedridden. The couple, married for 65 years, had shared a life filled with both public adulation and personal scandal. Alwen's steadfast support for Harris, despite the horrific nature of his crimes, reflected her belief in his innocence, a belief that remained unshaken publicly.
In recent times, the family’s residence had fallen into disrepair, with speculation that the once-luxurious mansion might sell for a fraction of its original value due to its deteriorating condition and the stigma associated with the Harris name. Alwen's death was officially attributed to a stroke, as reported by various news sources.
The passing of Alwen Hughes closes a chapter on a troubled legacy, one that intertwines public adulation with personal tragedy. The enduring impact of Rolf Harris's actions and Alwen’s unwavering support reflect a complex story of fame, scandal, and the personal cost of public life.
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