The Earl of Cardigan, who is on conditional bail facing charges of assault and criminal damage, was not allowed to attend the funeral service on Thursday of his divorced late wife, Rosamond, Countess of Cardigan.
She is the mother of Lady Catherine Brudenell-Bruce, better known as the singing star Bo Bruce, and died last Wednesday, aged 63, after suffering from cancer.
Lady Cardigan, who lived in a house on the 4,500-acre Savernake family estate at Leigh Hill following the break up of her marriage, was earlier a known cookery writer under her maiden name Rosamond Winkley.
She came from the village of Kepnal, near Pewsey, and married the Earl of Cardigan at St Mary’s, Great Bedwyn, in 1980, and it was in the same church that her funeral service took place.
“I was not allowed to go to the service in Gt.Bedwyn, but the court order made no mention of the church burial at St. Katharine’s,” the 59-year-old Earl Cardigan told Marlborough News Online. “So I attended that church, in the company of my sister, and laid a wreath on the grave.”
The Countess, whose divorce took place in 2010, also leaves a son, Thomas, who holds the title Viscount Savernake.
Her daughter Bo, who reached the finals of the TV talent show The Voice, has left a message on her internet website.
“Bo’s mother Ros passed away peacefully in the night, at home, surrounded by loves on. Bo would like to thank all of you for the messages of love and support, they mean so much to her.
“She promises she will be back before too long, for now she is spending quiet time with her close friends ad family.”
The Earl, who was charged in his name of David Brudenell-Bruce, is due to stand trial in October.