Tragedy Strikes Britain’s Richest Divorcee as Boyfriend Dies Just Four Years After £350m Breakup

Published: 1 September 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

Britain’s richest divorcee, former Miss UK Kirsty Bertarelli, has been plunged into grief following the sudden death of her boyfriend, Marc, who suffered a fatal stroke. The tragedy comes just four years after her highly publicised £350 million divorce from Swiss-Italian billionaire Ernesto Bertarelli.

Kirsty Bertarelli, 54, had found love again after her separation from Ernesto, with the couple first appearing together publicly at a birthday celebration in Sardinia two years ago. The relationship, which appeared deeply affectionate and rooted in a shared passion for music, had brought a new chapter of happiness into her life. However, Marc’s untimely passing has left her mourning a profound loss.

In a heartfelt tribute shared on Instagram, Kirsty posted a clip of a song she wrote in Marc’s memory, expressing the depth of her grief and enduring love. She wrote: “Dearest Marc – I loved you more than words can say and I still love you and always will. My beautiful soul connection… what we went through no one will understand… by writing this song for you, we did good, baby – we did good. I can only thank you so, so much for being so kind when I needed love… You’re a total Angel – that stays forever in my heart… the love you gave me is worth every single moment of heartbreak, and you made me stronger than I ever thought possible.”

The former Miss UK, who co-wrote the All Saints hit single Black Coffee, had performed for her partner at public events, singing with evident emotion and devotion. Guests who witnessed the celebrations described the pair’s relationship as a “true romance,” noting the emotional resonance of her performances, with many moved to tears. Kirsty herself had previously described their bond as a rare second chance at love, remarking on Instagram that “love knows no bounds when it’s pure and sweet – stable as the ground beneath your feet.”

Kirsty Bertarelli rose to prominence after winning the Miss UK title in 1988 and placing as the second runner-up in the Miss World pageant the same year. Her marriage to Ernesto Bertarelli, whose wealth has been estimated at £9.2 billion alongside Kirsty on the Sunday Times Rich List, ended in a £350 million settlement, reportedly making her Britain’s richest divorcee in history, with assets approaching the estimated fortune of the late Queen.

Beyond the financial settlement, Kirsty was awarded a modern lakeside residence in Switzerland valued at £52 million and an £8 million chalet in the Gstaad ski resort. During her marriage, Ernesto famously gifted her a £100 million superyacht for her 40th birthday. Her legal representation during the divorce was handled by Baroness Fiona Shackleton, renowned for representing both Prince Charles and Sir Paul McCartney in high-profile separations.

The passing of Marc marks a poignant chapter in Kirsty Bertarelli’s life, reminding the public that behind immense wealth and public attention lie deeply personal joys and sorrows. Friends and admirers have expressed condolences and admiration for her courage in sharing her grief and the lasting tribute to a love cut tragically short.