Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world
Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email
Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email
Geri Halliwell-Horner stood by her husband Christian Horner as the F1 boss received an honour from King Charles – months after he was cleared of inappropriate behaviour allegations by a female colleague.
The Spice Girl looked on the Red Bull team principal, 51, was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours list for his services to motorsport.
Her appearance comes days after she declared she “belongs to no man”, amid concerns raised in recent months about the couple’s future.
The racing giant was accused earlier this year of “inappropriate and coercive behaviour” involving a female employee, as hundreds of WhatsApp messages allegedly between Christian Horner and the female colleague were leaked to the press.
Following an investigation, he was cleared of all wrongdoing.
The couple put on a united front during the initial media storm, with Geri said to be “mortified and angry” as she continued to appear at F1 events hand-in-hand with her husband.
Her steadfast support continued on Wednesday as Mr Horner was made a CBE. He described the honour as “humbling”, adding: “It’s a huge privilege to receive an honour like this.”
Asked about his conversation with Charles, he told the PA news agency: “He was charming. We exchanged pleasantries and he inquired how the season had gone.”
The couple’s relationship has continued to come under scrutiny in the months since, with the popstar causing another stir last week as she took to the stage at the Royal Albery Hall to read a poem declaring she “belonged to no man”.
She introduced the 19th-century poem, “All My Life I’ve Belonged to No Man,” by describing Flora Tristan as an “inspiration”.
Later, she once again appeared united with Mr Horner as the pair attended the FIA Awards in Rwanda last Friday.
On Wednesday, she once again showed her support for her husband at Buckingham Palace as he received his honour.
Horner has led Red Bull’s F1 team since 2005, winning six constructors’ championships between 2010 and 2023.
His career began as a racing driver, becoming a race winner in the 1992 British Formula Renault Championship before switching to team management after retiring from competitive driving at the age of 25.
Other notable names who received honours at the palace on Wednesday included filmmaker Christopher Nolan and his wife, film producer Emma Thomas.
The Inception director formally received a knighthood on Wednesday and his wife, who has produced all his films, received a damehood.
Their partnership has led to major blockbusters including The Dark Knight trilogy and their most recent venture, the epic biopic Oppenheimer, which swept the 2024 award ceremonies.
Nolan said it was “really wonderful” to meet the King, adding that to receive the honours together was “very special”.
+ There are no comments
Add yours