Wife of disgraced entertainer Rolf Harris dies aged 93 a year after death of paedophile husband

12 September 2024, 12:22 | Updated: 12 September 2024, 12:25

Alwen Hughes (left) has died one year after the death of her husband Rolf Harris
Alwen Hughes (left) has died one year after the death of her husband Rolf Harris. Picture: Getty

By Flaminia Luck

Alwen Hughes, the wife of disgraced artist and entertainer Rolf Harris, has died.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Alwen stood by her husband after he was jailed a decade ago following his conviction for 12 indecent assaults on four underage girls between the 1960s and 1980s.

At the time of his death, the couple had been married for 65 years.

She attended every day of Harris' initial trial alongside daughter Bindi.

The former TV star died also aged 93 at his home in Bray, Berkshire, in May last year.

His death certificate said he died of neck cancer and "frailty of old age".

Rolf Harris at his wedding with Alwen Hughes in London, 1958
Rolf Harris at his wedding with Alwen Hughes in London, 1958. Picture: Getty

Harris, who was born in Perth, Australia, in 1930, became a national treasure and achieved fame for his paintings and work on children's programmes.

Such was his fame and high-regard, he was commissioned to paint a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in 2005.

Harris came to the UK in 1953 to study and built a life as one of the country's most prominent and popular entertainers.

But he was exposed as a sex offender when he was convicted of indecent assault against four girls in 2014 amid Operation Yewtree, and was jailed for five years and nine months.

The crimes happened between 1968 and 1986.Harris was also stripped of his CBE, OBE and MBE.

He served nearly three years in prison before being released on licence in 2017.

Read more: Rolf Harris's final days: Living in the dark, unable to speak and shooed away from a primary school

Harris on trial on four counts of alleged indecent assault against three teenagers
Harris on trial on four counts of alleged indecent assault against three teenagers. Picture: Getty

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Exclusive
Chancellor Rachel Reeves arrives at Downing Street

Middle income parents spared from burdensome tax returns under shake up from Rachel Reeves next week

Heathrow as resumed "full service" but some flights remain cancelled.

Heathrow resumes 'full service' as travellers warned of more delays after blaze left thousands stranded worldwide

George Foreman

Mike Tyson leads tributes as heavyweight boxing legend George Foreman dies aged 76

Two men sentenced after 'forcing cockerels to run on treadmill' to 'boost stamina' in fighting ring

Two men sentenced after 'forcing cockerels to run on treadmill' to 'boost stamina'

Belfast, United Kingdom, 30 01 2024, Police cordon following an aggravated burglary in the Essex Grove area of Belfast Credit: HeadlineX/Alamy

Man arrested on suspicion of murder after woman in her 40s dies in Clacton

Influencer brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate arrive, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The brothers were charged with human trafficking in Romania and arrived in the U.S. after authorities lifted travel restrictions.

Tate brothers confirm return to Romania from US 'to clear their name'

England v Albania - European Qualifiers Group K - FIFA World Cup 2026

England kick off Tuchel era with 2-0 win over Albania at Wembley

Catholic primary school teacher caught moonlighting as OnlyFans model triggers government response

Catholic primary school teacher caught moonlighting as OnlyFans model triggers government response

Heathrow reopens to select flights after 'non-suspicious' blaze as travel chaos sees thousands stranded worldwide

Heathrow reopens to select flights after 'non-suspicious' blaze as travel chaos leaves thousands stranded worldwide

Harshita Bella, 24 was found dead in the boot of a car

Officers in Harshita Brella case investigated after murdered woman contacted police about domestic violence

M

Man who took bomb, knives and firearm into hospital and planned to kill 'as many nurses as possible' jailed

Three boys have been charged with rape

Three boys aged 13-15 charged with raping girl in joint attack in Rochdale

Dmitry Medvedev said he was waiting for Russia to be blamed

‘What are you waiting for Starmer?’ Putin ally goads Britain over Heathrow shutdown

Woodland Glade Thetford Forest Norfolk UK

New 'Western Forest' to be created in England, with 20 million trees to be planted by 2050

Katherine Ryan

Comedian Katherine Ryan reveals she has skin cancer for second time - after doctor first told her she was 'healthy'

U.S. President Trump's State Visit To UK - Day Two

'I love King Charles': Trump makes jaw-dropping hint as he says US could become 'associate member' of Commonwealth