Billionaire Gretel Packer has implemented robust measures to safeguard her daughter Francesca Packer-Barham’s substantial inheritance prior to her recent marriage to entrepreneur Robert Bates.
Intimate Wedding at Family Estate
Francesca and Robert exchanged vows in a private ceremony this week at the Packer family’s expansive 30,000-hectare Ellerston estate near Scone in regional New South Wales. The event drew just 18 guests, including Francesca’s mother Gretel, grandmother Roslyn, father Nick Barham, and his wife Karen Carwin. Gretel walked her daughter down the aisle during the non-denominational civil service, while Francesca’s brother Ben and half-brother William served as groomsmen. Members of Robert’s family also attended the three-day celebration.
The choice of venue accommodated Roslyn’s mobility challenges following two hip replacements and two knee replacements.
Details of the Prenuptial Agreement
Gretel, whose net worth approaches $3 billion, spearheaded the creation of a comprehensive prenuptial agreement. This document aims to protect Francesca’s assets in the event of a divorce, drawing from Gretel’s past experiences. Her separation from second husband Shane Murray led to a prolonged legal dispute, resolved privately with an estimated $5 million settlement.
Insiders describe the prenup as highly detailed, potentially featuring clauses for payments linked to marriage duration, anniversary milestones, or the arrival of children.
Shift from Original Plans
Francesca initially envisioned a full-moon wedding in Spain, aligned with her interests in spirituality and crystals, culminating on July 29. A combined hens’ and bucks’ party remains scheduled for Majorca on June 16, though the couple will already be wed by then.
