Monty Don, the star of Gardener’s World, has been married to Sarah Erksine for 44 years. However, their love story had a complicated start, as Sarah was already married to someone else when they first met at Cambridge University. Despite Monty feeling guilty about the situation, they eventually got married in 1983 and have three grown-up children and multiple grandchildren. Monty proposed to Sarah on a remote Scottish island, and they had a simple registry office wedding followed by a lunch in London, without a honeymoon. In an interview, Monty opened up about the difficult beginning of their relationship, acknowledging the challenges they faced.
When Monty and Sarah first met, she was married to her first husband, a wealthy botanist who went on a four-month field trip, during which Monty and Sarah grew closer platonically. As their feelings for each other developed, Sarah had to make a difficult decision to leave her husband. This led to a tumultuous period of turmoil and unhappiness for all involved, as her first husband felt betrayed and angry. Despite feeling guilty about the situation, Monty stands by the choices they made, believing that love sometimes requires a level of ruthlessness and decisiveness. He has no regrets about their relationship and marriage, even though it had a challenging start.
Monty reflected on the initial attraction he felt towards Sarah, despite her being married to someone else. He mentioned feeling intense attraction at first sight, but it was not love at first sight. As their relationship progressed and deeper feelings developed, Sarah ultimately chose to leave her first husband in favor of being with Monty. Despite the difficult and tormented circumstances that followed, Monty and Sarah remained committed to each other and built a life together. Their love story is a testament to the complexities and challenges that relationships can face, as well as the resilience and determination needed to overcome them.
The couple’s marriage has lasted for over four decades, with their children now grown up and starting families of their own. Monty and Sarah have created a strong bond and partnership that has stood the test of time, despite its rocky beginnings. Monty’s candid reflections on their relationship shed light on the realities of love, loyalty, and commitment, showing that sometimes difficult decisions need to be made in the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment. Their story serves as an example of how love can endure and thrive, even in the face of adversity and challenges.
As Monty and Sarah navigated the complexities of their early relationship, they faced criticism and judgment from those around them. However, they remained steadfast in their commitment to each other, choosing to prioritize their love and connection above societal expectations or norms. Their journey together, from a challenging start to a successful and enduring marriage, highlights the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. By sharing their story, Monty and Sarah offer a glimpse into the intricacies of relationships and the transformative power of love and forgiveness. Their enduring love is a testament to the strength and depth of their bond, showing that true connection and commitment can overcome even the most challenging circumstances.
