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‘He is hurt and really shocked’: The son of Queen Consort Camilla’s close friend left ‘heartbroken’ after photo shows his wife arm in arm with Ralph Fiennes in Rome
It was the showbiz image that sparked wild speculation: who was the ‘mystery woman’ walking the streets of Rome on the arm of Ralph Fiennes?
But looking at the photo in his newspaper while having breakfast in his £5 million Georgian mansion in the Cotswolds, aristocrat James Lindsay knew the answer all too well.
The son of Queen Consort Camilla’s close friend, Lady Amabel Lindsay, James immediately recognized his wife, Amelia Richards.
Just days earlier, the high-flying blonde creative executive had suggested that after nine years together they should have a trial separation, according to James’s friends.
Ralph Fiennes is seen strolling through Rome as he joins arms with Amelia Richards.
The split was a blow to photographer James, 61, but he was at least relieved to know that “absolutely no one else was involved.” So he was flabbergasted to see Amelia’s photos with screen star Fiennes.
In a photo from Rome, he could see her wearing the engagement and wedding rings that had long bound them.
He told a friend this week he felt “heartbroken,” “stunned” and “betrayed,” adding: “I had no idea she was with Ralph Fiennes until I saw the photo.”
Richards, 52, and Fiennes, 60, are believed to have met in New York in December over dinner.
At the time, Mr. Fiennes was starring in the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway adaptation of David Hare’s Straight Line Crazy.
He left his first wife, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, after an affair with actress Francesca Annis, 17 years his senior.
James Lindsey and Amelia Richards. Just days earlier, the high-flying blonde creative executive had suggested that after nine years together they should have a trial separation, according to James’s friends.
The relationship with Annis came to an end when he met the singer Cornelia Crisan. The actor has also been linked to aristocrat Lady Amanda Harlech, singer Patti Smith, and actress Ellen Barkin.
Friends on both sides of the Atlantic have been left shocked by the unfolding marriage drama.
It was a second marriage for both Mr. Lindsay, who has a son, Luke, with his first wife, and Mrs. Richards, who has two sons, Felix and Barney, with her ex-husband.
A source in New York said: ‘James has been a brilliant stepfather to Felix and Barney, and was devoted to Amelia.
‘She loves. He is hurt and really shocked. He has been taken by surprise. This has come as a shock to everyone in his circle of friends. James is a brilliant photographer and a passionate collector of vintage cars.
‘Everyone who knows him loves him. People haven’t been talking about anything else this week.
Last night a friend of the couple told The Mail on Sunday: ‘Every marriage has its ups and downs and marriages end. But it’s the way this has played out that has upset so many people and left him heartbroken. James had no idea about any of this.
He is absolutely devastated. Like any marriage, his had fallen on hard times, but when Amelia filed for separation, he says she insisted no one else was involved.
Ms Richards continued to use her maiden name after her marriage to Mr Lindsay in 2014.
Last night Mr. Lindsay declined to comment and Ms. Richards did not respond to a request for comment.