Billionaire heiress Francesca Packer-Barham is set to marry her fiancé Robert Bates in an intimate ceremony at the family's secluded estate in the Upper Hunter Valley, New South Wales, according to a report by The Daily Telegraph. The wedding, scheduled for this Wednesday, will be a small affair attended only by select family members, including her mother Gretel.
Change of Plans
The couple had originally planned a multi-day celebration in Majorca, Spain, timed to coincide with the full moon on July 29, inspired by Packer's interest in spirituality and crystals. However, the Spanish event will now serve as a post-wedding celebration, as the couple will already be married by then.
Reason for the Change
A key factor in the decision is the health of Francesca's grandmother, Roslyn Packer. Additionally, the war in Iran has made international travel difficult for some of the socialite's A-list friends, who are concerned about being stranded overseas if the situation escalates.
The Venue
The wedding will take place at the Packer family's opulent 30,000-hectare estate in the Hunter Valley. The property offers seclusion and privacy for the couple's special day.
Upcoming Celebrations
Packer will reportedly host a combined hens and bucks party in Majorca on June 16, described as an 'unconventional' event. The Spanish celebration will proceed as planned, but guests will be celebrating a marriage that has already taken place.
Relationship Background
Francesca Packer-Barham, granddaughter of the late media mogul Kerry Packer, has been dating Bates, a 46-year-old wellness CEO, since 2022. They were first spotted together at her 28th birthday party in November 2022. While the couple has not publicly confirmed their engagement, Packer has hinted at it through a secondary Instagram account titled 'Francesca & Robert' with a ring emoji, whose bio reads: 'We can't wait to celebrate with you!'
Support from Family and Friends
Despite Bates' controversial history, a family friend expressed support for the couple, saying: 'Francesca is really kind and giving, and if she's engaged to this man, then she sees the good in him. She deserves happiness just like the rest of us.' The friend added that being a billionaire does not mean she owes anyone an explanation for her choices.
