The 19th Duke of Somerset has reportedly rekindled a romance with socialite Eliza Dugdale, seven years after their affair scandalized high society and led to Ms. Dugdale's exile. The Duke, 73, is said to be assisting Ms. Dugdale, 67, who has returned to the UK after living in Spain.
Sources indicate the Duke helped Ms. Dugdale move into a secluded property approximately 20 miles from his family's ancestral estate, Bradley Park. He is also understood to be paying her rent for the four-bedroom house, which is located about a mile from the nearest public road. The pair reportedly enjoyed a three-week holiday together in Argentina earlier this year and are seen attending social events in Wiltshire as a couple.
"It’s an open secret," a source close to the couple told the Daily Mail. "Some locals, who didn’t know them well, assumed it had fizzled out but I think they’re genuinely in love."
The Duke and Ms. Dugdale are said to have supper at her residence, with the Duke spending the night. "I know they’ve had various tradesmen in and out and the Duke’s neatly pressed trousers and clothes are everywhere," the source added.
This development follows the revelation in 2019 by The Mail on Sunday that the Duke had a three-year affair with Ms. Dugdale, despite being married to Judith-Rose for over 40 years. At the time, Ms. Dugdale was forced to leave her farmhouse near the Duke’s estate and move to Spain after details of the affair became public. In 2019, Ms. Dugdale confirmed the relationship, stating, "I love John and he loves me – we have had some great times together. His wife knows everything because he has confessed to her."
Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Somerset continue to reside together on their estate. They are active patrons of the 'London Season,' a series of events for young women entering high society, and recently attended the Queen Charlotte's ball. Ms. Dugdale's previous husbands include huntsman Robin Smith-Ryland and former Conservative MP Richard Grosvenor Plunkett-Ernle-Erle-Drax.
Ms. Dugdale last week denied being in a relationship with the Duke and that he pays her rent. The Duke did not respond to a request for comment.