Reports suggest that a former Miss UK has become the UK’s wealthiest divorcee after separating from her billionaire spouse.
Kirsty Bertarelli, aged 50, is said to have received £350 million following her split from Ernesto Bertarelli after 21 years of marriage.
The couple, who have three children together, are said to have parted ways earlier this year.
A spokesperson for the couple informed DailyMail that “It is with sadness that Ernesto and Kirsty Bertarelli confirm that they have divorced.”
Kirsty and Ernesto were collectively ranked 14th in this year’s Sunday Times Rich List, with an estimated net worth of £9.2 billion.
The exact amount of Mrs. Bertarelli’s settlement has not been disclosed, however, the Daily Mail reported that she agreed to accept a £350 million settlement.
This figure would make her the richest divorcee in legal history in Britain, coming just short of the estimated fortune of the Queen, which is approximately £365 million.
Their spokesperson informed the Daily Mail that “The decision was a shared one and the separation amicable.”
In addition to her settlement, Mrs. Bertarelli is reportedly in possession of a modern house near Lake Geneva in Switzerland, purchased this year for £52 million. She also owns an £8 million chalet in the Swiss ski resort of Gstaad.
Mrs. Bertarelli’s wealth now surpasses that of pop superstars Sir Mick Jagger, who is estimated to be worth £310 million, Ed Sheeran (£220 million), and Adele (£140 million).
She was represented by Baroness Fiona Shackleton, a lawyer who had previously represented Prince Charles and Sir Paul McCartney in their divorces.
It is believed that she had signed a prenuptial agreement before marrying the Italian-born Bertarelli in 2000.
A friend of hers informed the Mail: “The settlement was more generous than it had to be. They didn’t want a long, drawn-out court case in Switzerland and he wanted to recognize the length of their marriage.”
The couple’s spokesperson stated: “All issues arising from the divorce have been settled and they would respectfully ask for privacy for their whole family at this time.”
“As this is a private matter, there will be no further comment.”
After winning the Miss UK title in 1988, Kirsty was the second runner-up in that year’s Miss World pageant.
She later gained success as a pop singer and songwriter, co-writing the All Saints’ No. 1 single “Black Coffee,” which became a worldwide hit in 2000.
Kirsty singing with Ronan Keating in 2013
