The recent scandal involving actor Dominic West and actress Lily James in Italy has brought West’s marriage to Catherine FitzGerald under global scrutiny.
Despite being married to FitzGerald since 2010, West was captured sharing intimate moments with James while exploring Rome on a scooter.
Just a day after the news broke, West and FitzGerald presented a united front outside their London residence.
In an attempt to showcase their solidarity, they publicly displayed affection and reassured the media that their marriage remained steadfast amidst the turmoil.
During the peculiar public display, West, aged 50, embraced his wife, who is 49, in front of a group of journalists without directly acknowledging the romantic encounter with James.
This incident has reignited interest in a past statement made by West regarding extramarital affairs.
In a resurfaced 2016 interview with the Evening Standard, West expressed controversial views on infidelity, suggesting that women should overlook brief flings and be more lenient towards men’s behavior between the ages of 40 and 50.
These remarks were made in reference to his role in the TV series “The Affair,” where he portrayed a man engaged in an extramarital relationship.
Despite the series containing explicit scenes that his wife chose not to watch, West mentioned in an interview that she was understanding of the nature of his work.
He credited her acceptance to being “cool” with the content, despite both of them refraining from viewing it.
Before his marriage to FitzGerald, West was involved with Polly Astor, with whom he shares a child named Martha.
Reflecting on their breakup during a 2012 interview, West admitted fault for the split, citing his reluctance to commit due to career opportunities and personal desires.
Following his separation from Astor, West reconnected with FitzGerald, whom he had previously dated in college.
The couple’s relationship had faced challenges, including FitzGerald’s prior marriage to Viscount Lambton before their eventual engagement in 2007.
FitzGerald, hailing from an esteemed Irish lineage, played a significant role in preserving her family’s ancestral property, Glin Castle.
Together with West, they maintain the castle, hosting family gatherings and occasional events at the historic site, with notable guests like Taylor Swift having visited.
Their love story began at Trinity College, where West first visited Glin Castle for FitzGerald’s birthday celebration.
The couple eventually exchanged vows at the castle in 2010, embracing the rich history and sentimental value attached to the location.
With four children together, Dora, Senan, Francis, and Christabel, West and FitzGerald continue to nurture their family while cherishing the legacy of Glin Castle, symbolizing their enduring commitment amidst life’s challenges.
