Rolf Harris' wife Alwen Hughes was a Welsh sculptress and jeweller who remained loyal to her husband after he was convicted of sexual offences. She died in the summer of 2024 at the age of 92, just over a year after Harris, following a stroke.
Early life and marriage
Alwen Hughes met Rolf Harris at the University of Western Australia, where both were studying art. She was a Welsh sculptress and jeweller. They married in March 1958 and had a daughter, Bindi, in 1964, who has since changed her name. Hughes was known for her distinctive fashion sense and for having a poodle serve as a bridesmaid at her wedding.
Loyalty through conviction
In 2013, Harris faced 12 charges of indecent assault against underage girls, which he denied. He was sentenced to nearly six years in prison in 2014. Hughes attended every day of his trial with their daughter. After his release in 2017, Harris died from neck cancer at age 93 in May 2023. Hughes stood by him throughout, despite the revelations.
Health decline and death
Hughes battled vascular dementia and the frailties of old age. Singer Vince Hill said after Harris' conviction: 'Alwen is very poorly. We're all very worried about her. I don't know if she will survive his prison term. She's quite fragile. She suffers from arthritis and she's had hip replacements.' She died from a stroke in summer 2024 at age 92.
Documentary
Prime Video's documentary Rolf Harris: Primetime Predator explores how Harris concealed his crimes. It is available in the UK.
