In what can only be described as the British social event of the season, media titan Rupert Murdoch, 93, exchanged vows with retired molecular biologist Elena Zhukova, 67, in a meticulously private ceremony at his sprawling Oxfordshire mansion this past weekend.
The wedding of the year, held at the historic St Bride's Church followed by a lavish reception at the Murdoch estate, became a focal point of transatlantic intrigue due to its exclusive guest list. To the surprise of many, former US President Donald Trump was among the select few in attendance, marking a significant moment in the ongoing relationship between the politician and the press baron.
A Gathering of Titans and Notable Absences
The reception was a veritable who's who of media, business, and political elites. Yet, the absence of several high-profile UK political leaders spoke volumes. Notably, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer were not present, their invitations seemingly lost in the post. This selective curation of guests has set Westminster tongues wagging about the current state of Murdoch's influence in British politics.
Other distinguished guests included media heirs Lachlan Murdoch and Prudence Murdoch, alongside a constellation of powerful friends and family. The event remained fiercely guarded, with security ensuring the ceremony remained out of the public eye, a testament to Murdoch's famed desire for privacy.
Trump's European Detour
Donald Trump's presence added a layer of political spectacle to the affair. Fresh from a campaign rally in the US and amidst his ongoing legal battles, his transatlantic trip to attend the wedding underscores his long-standing, albeit occasionally turbulent, alliance with Murdoch. His attendance signals a continued camaraderie with one of the world's most influential media figures.
The wedding not only unites two individuals but also symbolically links powerful dynasties; Zhukova is the mother of Dasha Zhukova, who was previously married to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.
This union solidifies Murdoch's fifth walk down the aisle, proving that both love and influence remain ageless pursuits for the legendary mogul.
