Caroline Peaty, the mother of Olympic champion swimmer Adam Peaty, has spoken of her profound sadness at facing the festive season without her son, just weeks before Christmas. This comes amid a very public family rift that has resulted in her being uninvited to Adam's upcoming wedding to celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay's daughter, Holly.
A Mother's Heartfelt Social Media Post
Caroline took to social media to share a poignant quote that resonated with her current situation. The post reflected on the true meaning of Christmas, emphasising the importance of parental presence over presents. "I don’t remember every gift I opened when I was 5, 6, or even 10," the quote read. "I remember the smell of the kitchen, the glow of the lights, the way love felt louder in December. It wasn’t the presents it was the presence of my parents who did everything they could to make the magic happen."
This public expression of sorrow follows reports that Adam has failed to buy Christmas presents for most of his family, including his parents and his brothers, James and Richard. It is believed he only purchased gifts for his sister Bethany, her two children, and Richard's daughter, but not for James's children.
The Wedding Feud and a Mother's Forgiveness
The family dispute first erupted into the public eye in November. It began when Adam's aunt, Louise Williams, criticised Holly Ramsay for not inviting Caroline to her hen party. Caroline later spoke out herself, revealing she had been struggling but stressed her unconditional love for her son.
In a direct message to Adam, she said, "I know it’s the end. But please, the message I want Adam to hear is no matter what happens in the future, please know I love you, your dad loves you, you can come home and talk to me at any point. There's nothing you’ve done that I would not forgive." She added that she wished him and Holly a long and happy marriage.
The tension is said to have started at Adam and Holly's engagement party in September 2024, which was filmed for Gordon Ramsay's TV show. Caroline was reportedly unimpressed that some family members were not included. The situation worsened when Caroline bought a dress for the wedding, only to be told by the couple that they did not approve of it.
A Gift Sent in Hope of Reconciliation
Despite being barred from the ceremony, Caroline has not given up hope of mending fences. The grandmother from Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, has revealed she has bought the couple a wedding gift from their registry, describing it as "a decent present." She also intends to send a card, though she admits, "I don't know if they will even open it."
The wedding is scheduled for December 27 at Bath’s Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Reports suggest that from Adam's side of the family, only his sister Bethany will be in attendance. This follows the arrest of his brother James in November for allegedly making threats against him.
A source close to the family criticised Adam's approach to Christmas, stating, "Kids are innocent and shouldn’t be included in any family fallout. To do this is cruel and spiteful." As the wedding day approaches, Caroline Peaty's actions demonstrate a mother's enduring love, even from a distance.
