Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has opened up about the poignant and "incredible" conversations he shared with his daughter Holly during their car journey to her wedding last month, an event otherwise marred by a very public family rift.
A Lavish Day Overshadowed by Dispute
The television personality proudly walked his 23-year-old daughter down the aisle at the historic Bath Abbey on December 27, where she married Olympic champion swimmer Adam Peaty. The ceremony was a star-studded affair, with guests including the newly knighted Sir David Beckham and his wife, Victoria.
However, the pomp and splendour were clouded by an ugly family dispute that resulted in Adam Peaty's own mother, Caroline, being barred from attending the service. The conflict cast a long shadow over the day, culminating in a reported dig from Ramsay during his father-of-the-bride speech.
Ramsay's Intimate Revelations and Speech Controversy
Sharing a gallery of images from the wedding on Instagram, Ramsay reflected on the emotional car ride with his daughter. He captioned the post: "One of the most exciting car journeys ever in a father's life is on the way to the Church with your beautiful daughter, incredible conversations and helping her to stay calm and relaxed ahead of our walk down the aisle." Holly responded in the comments, writing simply, "I love you dad."
Yet, according to reports, Ramsay's speech at the reception later took a pointed turn. After telling Adam he was a "lucky man" and praising Holly's beauty, he allegedly told his daughter, "Shame you don't have the same," in a clear reference to the absence of Adam's parents. A family source told the Daily Mail that Adam's estranged mother was left "outraged and hurt" by the comment, believing it was a "pre-planned" and "cruel" swipe.
Ramsay has since brushed off the backlash. Appearing on This Morning, he insisted his speech was "perfect and warm." His daughter Tilly confirmed she had heard it beforehand on Christmas Eve, stating, "no tweaks were needed, it was perfect. It made everybody cry."
Bride's Defence and Honeymoon Jibe
Bride Holly Ramsay Peaty has publicly defended her father. In an interview with British Vogue, she shared a photo from during the speech, saying she felt "overwhelmed with the love and the happiness on our guests' faces." In what appeared to be another subtle jibe, she revealed that her parents paid for the couple's luxurious honeymoon to Mauritius, calling it their wedding present.
Further details from the wedding emerged:
- The couple's first dance was to George Michael's 'A Different Corner'.
- Adam Peaty did not mention his family in his speech, instead praising his swim coach, Mel Marshall.
- Caroline Peaty, speaking from the family home in Staffordshire, said she felt as if Holly and Adam "have cut my heart out."
The roots of the feud are reported to stem from September 2024, when Adam and Holly did not invite wider Peaty family members to their engagement party. Caroline was also not invited to Holly's hen do at Soho Farmhouse, which was attended by Victoria Beckham and Tana Ramsay.
Despite the controversy, Gordon Ramsay's focus remains on the cherished memory of escorting his daughter to her wedding, a moment he says he will "never ever forget."
