Author Kathy Lette has announced her split with her husband, Geoffrey Robertson.
Camera IconAuthor Kathy Lette has announced her split with her husband, Geoffrey Robertson. Credit: News Corp Australia, Mike Burton

Kathy Lette confirms split from husband Geoffrey Robertson

Staff writersNews Corp Australia

POPULAR Australian-British author Kathy Lette has confirmed she has separated from her husband of 27 years, Geoffrey Robertson QC.

In a statement today, Lette, 58, revealed she was parting ways with Robertson, a high profile human rights barrister, academic, author and broadcaster.

The couple have been living in London and are one of the cities most celebrated society couples. Just recently Lette was rubbing shoulders with Prince Charles and the rest of the royals at Camilla’s 70th birthday celebrations.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales greets Kathy Lette at a reception to mark The Duchess of Cornwall's 70th birthday at Clarence House in London, England.
Camera IconPrince Charles, Prince of Wales greets Kathy Lette at a reception to mark The Duchess of Cornwall's 70th birthday at Clarence House in London, England. Credit: Getty Images, Getty

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“Geoff and I have separated on the warmest of terms and remain close and committed to the family we have created together,” she said, the Mail Online reports.

In looking back on their marriage, Lette described herself as being in the “interval” part of a woman’s life.

Author Kathy Lette has split with her husband, Geoffrey Robertson.
Camera IconAuthor Kathy Lette has split with her husband, Geoffrey Robertson. Credit: News Corp Australia, Richard Gosling

“I think for women, life is in two acts — the trick is to survive the interval. I’m in the interval right now,” she said.

She also praised her husband, saying he was the “smartest man” she had ever met.

He holds dual Australian and British citizenship. Robertson is also a founder and joint head of Doughty Street Chambers.

Kathy Lette, with Geoffrey Robertson QC, during a photo shoot for an article in Wish Magazine in 2006.
Camera IconKathy Lette, with Geoffrey Robertson QC, during a photo shoot for an article in Wish Magazine in 2006. Credit: News Limited, News Corp Australia

“Geoff is the smartest man I’ve ever met, saving the world’s underdogs from their kennels. I love and respect him so much and always will,” she added.

The author of Puberty Blues and chick-lit books such as Foetal Attraction, and her latest book, Best Laid Plans, Lette met Robertson in 1989 on the set of his ABC TV series, Hypothetical, in Brisbane.

They married in 1990, and have Tony and Cherie Blair and Gordon and Sarah Brown among their friends.

Author Kathy Lette with husband Geoffrey Robertson at the Sydney Opera House in 2007.
Camera IconAuthor Kathy Lette with husband Geoffrey Robertson at the Sydney Opera House in 2007. Credit: News Corp Australia

Lette, an outspoken novelist, was still married to media executive Kim Williams at the time. Robertson was in a relationship with celebrity cook Nigella Lawson.

Lette was once quoted as spitefully saying: “There’s so much pressure to rush home and prepare a dinner party. My preferred recipe is to roast a domestic goddess, slowly, on a spit.”

Lette grew up in Sydney’s south in Cronulla in a conservative family, and Robertson spent his childhood in Eastwood in Sydney’s northwest.

Author Kathy Lette and husband Geoffrey Robertson QC, at the Opera House in 1995.
Camera IconAuthor Kathy Lette and husband Geoffrey Robertson QC, at the Opera House in 1995. Credit: News Corp Australia

After going to Epping Boys High School he completed a law degree at Sydney University.

He arrived in the UK in 1970 on a Rhodes scholarship at Oxford. From there he decided his future was in Britain. He was eventually called to the bar 1973 and continued his career in law.

Robertson and Lette have two children, their autistic son Jule, 26, who made his acting debut in the BBC hospital drama Holby City last year.

During their marriage, the couple have returned back to Australia on numerous occasions for work, and pleasure as they walked many red carpets together.

They also have a daughter Georgie, who is now 24.

Author Kathy lette and son Julius (Jules) Robertson.
Camera IconAuthor Kathy lette and son Julius (Jules) Robertson. Credit: Supplied
Georgie Robertson and Kathy Lette in Sydney in 2011.
Camera IconGeorgie Robertson and Kathy Lette in Sydney in 2011. Credit: News Limited, News Corp Australia Classic Puberty Blues

Originally published as Kathy Lette splits from husband