High Court Judge Sir Oliver Popplewell Healed Trauma of Jacqueline du Pre’s Love Triangle Daughter

A larger portion of Clare Finzi’s family life has faced greater public exposure than she would have preferred or desired.

Initially, a book titled “Genius In The Family” was penned by their mother, Hilary, and uncle, Piers du Pré. Later, a movie based on this book emerged, named “Hilary and Jackie,” where Emily Watson portrayed the gifted cellist Jacqueline du Pré – Hilary and Piers’s sister. However, unlike the focus on Jacqueline’s incredible talent in the book, the film delved more into her romantic involvement with Hilary’s spouse, ‘Kiffer’ Finzi.

As an ardent admirer, let me share my personal experience: This book unearthed the wounds from Clare’s childhood, while the movie shattered her bond with her mother and prompted her to openly discuss her father – a man she described as one who ‘was involved in multiple affairs’, with women who were ‘adrift and uncertain’.

This week, the release of a will leads Clare, currently 59, to honor the man she considers as having been and continuing to be like a father to her – High Court judge Sir Oliver Popplewell, who passed away last summer at the age of 96.

In a well-known defamation lawsuit with Olympic athlete Linford Christie, Judge Popplewell humorously asked for clarification on the term ‘lunchbox’ used by Christie, and he revised his will not once but twice in the year 2021.

With every additional will amendment, he boosted the inheritance for Clare significantly, ultimately bestowing upon her a sum of £7,500 – a figure three times greater than what he allocated to his grandchildren and considerably higher than the £1,000 he assigned to his daughters-in-law.

Clare had, once, been one of those daughters-in-law. 

But, as she explains, she and the youngest of Sir Oliver’s four sons, Ed, divorced 15 years ago. 

Previously, his father-in-law typically responded in an optimistic way to this situation. Decades ago, he had stood up for Stephen Fry during a legal case, when the then 18-year-old Fry used a stolen credit card for shopping spree.

Clare, who shares three sons with Ed, expresses without hesitation that Oliver was an incredible source of support for her and her kids. In every sense, he acted as if he were their father. She deeply yearns for him.

His unwavering devotion played a significant role in mending the scars left by a seemingly magical upbringing shared among four siblings within a spacious farmhouse boasting ten bedrooms, situated high above the rolling hills of North Wessex Downs.

In a more tranquil time, Clare’s innocence was shattered when, at six years old, she stumbled into the seldom-used guest room where her aunt typically stayed. On that occasion, Jackie was not by herself.

Clare’s father was lying next to her, and he allegedly made no comment to her except for noting that Jacqueline’s breasts appeared larger than those of her mother.

Bewildered and traumatised, Clare became anorexic. 

At the age of nineteen, she encountered the Popplewells. “Oliver, Margaret, and Liz have always felt like my family,” says Clare, mentioning Sir Oliver’s first wife who passed away in 2001, and his second spouse, Dame Elizabeth Gloster, whom he wedded in 2008.

‘I’m very fortunate.’

 

Lily’s sisterly cheer for Cliffhanger co-star 

They play sisters in the forthcoming remake of Sylvester Stallone’s 1993 blockbuster Cliffhanger.

And it seems Lily James and Nell Tiger Free are bonding off set, too.

This week, actress Lily, who is known for her role in Downton Abbey and is 36 years old, went to the premiere of “Thanks For Having Me,” a play performed by Nell, at the Riverside Studios located in western London.

‘Nell Tiger Free you are a sensation,’ Surrey-born Lily gushes on social media.

Nell, 25, studied at Teddington School, a comprehensive also attended by Keira Knightley.

In the movie “Cliffhanger,” they, along with another character portrayed by Pierce Brosnan, are shown. This film is a suspenseful tale revolving around a mountaineer who finds himself entangled in an airplane heist as it traverses the breathtaking Rocky Mountains.

 

‘Simple song’ Rog bashes Brian   

Rock legend Roger Taylor, known for penning popular tunes such as “Radio Ga Ga” and “A Kind Of Magic,” takes issue with guitarist Sir Brian May’s assertion that his compositions are ‘simple’.

His own contribution, Sir Brian claims, was ‘to make the melodies work better’.

Could it be possible that Sir Brian is still feeling a bit miffed due to the success of Taylor’s less profound work, I’m In Love With My Car, being compared to the iconic Bohemian Rhapsody on the B-side, leading to equal royalty earnings? This might explain why he finds Taylor’s recent statement slightly arrogant.

‘He’s never forgiven me. And I’ve never stopped laughing about it,’ says Taylor.

 

Tied to the role, Em?

As an overly enthusiastic admirer, I couldn’t help but feel my heart racing and palms sweating during the screening of Hotel Reverie – the latest Black Mirror episode featuring none other than Emma Corrin. The anticipation was almost unbearable!

30-year-old Corrin, famously portraying Princess Diana on The Crown, showcased an unconventional flair (seen in the provided image), donning a unique Moschino blouse embellished with three collar-like ties held securely by wires.

Speaking at the BFI Southbank in London during the seventh series of Charlie Brooker’s dystopian show, I found myself expressing that I felt as small and powerless as a mouse in a microwave. In this production, I portray an actress who is part of a cutting-edge retelling of a timeless Hollywood romance.

Corrin studied old 1940s movies as part of her preparation, commenting, “I found it intriguing how actresses from that era carried themselves in a distinct manner.

 

Watt and Elon are two peas in a pod

James Watt, who recently tied the knot with “I’m A Celebrity” champion Georgia Toffolo, is believed to have a net worth of approximately 250 million pounds.

Although he’s still far from rivaling Elon Musk, Forbes’ current wealthiest billionaire, Watt (age 42) asserts that they possess similar work ethics.

Online, he references Elon Musk’s work principles, stating, ‘Too many meetings can be a curse for businesses – feel free to leave if it’s clear you’re not contributing. Let practicality be your compass. If a rule seems irrational, don’t hesitate to modify it.’

Could it be that he might learn from the example set by his young bride, who demonstrated remarkable adaptability when she encountered a swarm of cockroaches in the jungle?

 

Gwyneth’s bedtime routine

For numerous men, sharing a bed with Gwyneth Paltrow could be an appealing fantasy. However, it seems like hard work or a burden for the actress herself.

‘I’ve always been a firm believer in the importance of prioritising “clean sleep”,’ she gushes. 

I take my bedtime ritual quite seriously; it consists of climbing into bed by 8:30 PM these days, while also using a mouth taping device and Bluetooth earbuds with biometric sensors.

Despite previous attempts not being successful, she acknowledges: ‘However, much like many women going through perimenopause, I’ve been battling with getting good-quality sleep.’

I recommend she listens to Meghan’s new podcast.

 

No Chanel for Oxbridge 

This Sunday on the Thames, the rowers participating in the Boat Race won’t be sporting any fragrances from Chanel, as they are no longer endorsed by the renowned French fashion brand during their competition.

‘We have nothing,’ wails Oxford University Boat Club women’s president Annie Anezakis. 

‘No free fashion clothes, no smart watches and no perfume from Chanel.’

At the crew announcement held at Battersea Power Station in London, she expresses a positive outlook.

As a diehard fan, I’m thrilled about our ongoing bond with Chanel and their races. Here’s hoping that next year, my favorite athletes will reap the rewards of this partnership!

Read More

2025-04-11 01:40

Previous post After decades of pushing, stunts will get their own Oscar
Next post Freddie Mercury’s Shocking Diaries Reveal His Secret Life