The couple’s public announcement of their engagement is believed to have upset Christian’s parents Garry and Sara – who have said they will not go to the wedding
Geri Halliwell’s plans to marry Formula One chief Christian Horner are at the centre of a family rift.
The couple’s public announcement of their engagement is believed to have upset Christian’s parents Garry and Sara – who have said they will not go to the wedding.
They are thought to be unhappy that he left his partner of 14 years, Beverley Allen, just months after she gave birth to their first daughter, Olivia.
Speaking outside the family’s £850,000 Gloucestershire home, a family member said: “You can say that his parents are absolutely devastated. We won’t be going to the wedding.
“There is a lot more to this story than people know about – to do with his ex-partner.”
The relationship between former Spice Girl Geri and Red Bull Racing Team principal Christian was revealed in March.
They announced their engagement in a newspaper in November. It read: “Mr C.E.J. Horner OBE and Geri Halliwell.
“The engagement is announced between Christian, son of Mr and Mrs G.M. Horner and Geraldine, daughter of the late Mr L.F. Halliwell and Mrs A Parkinson.”
A friend of the couple said: “Over the years Christian has been very close to his parents – particularly to his dad who shares his love of motor racing – but recent events have thrown everything into doubt. His mum is particularly upset.
“It’s a real shame and everyone involved is upset.
“Weddings are expected to bring families closer together, but this engagement has driven a wedge between people.”
Geri, 42, has said she is absolutely thrilled to be getting married.
And speaking at a charity event organised by Prince Harry in Abu Dhabi, Christian said he was delighted.
But the couple insisted they were not in a position to confirm a date yet.
Our source added: “Christian’s parents have already made up their minds not to go.
“They’re very upset by everything that has gone on and feel as though their loyalties are very divided.”
Mr and Mrs Horner – described as doting, totally devoted grandparents to Olivia – are understood to be among several family members who disapprove of Christian’s decision to leave his partner so shortly after the birth of his daughter.
The former racing driver co-founded motor racing team Arden with his father.
But, according to documents filed with Companies House, he has since resigned from the four directorships he shared with his dad – including Arden Motorsport Limited.
With Red Bull he has become one of the most influential figures in Formula One.
He was awarded an OBE in the 2013 Birthday Honours for his services to motorsport.
Christian, stepdad to Beverly’s two older children, shared a mansion with them in Northamptonshire.
This Christmas he and mum-of-one Geri were spotted kissing at Gatwick airport.
It’s understood they were back from a holiday in Austria, and now plan to fly to the Caribbean island of St Lucia for a New Year break.
A friend added: “They’ve got plans for a romantic holiday to spend time away from the complications at home.”
A representative for the couple did not respond to requests for a comment about the matter.
