Ben Fogle’s wife, Marina, has opened up about her initial worries regarding their marriage, revealing that she feared it might not endure after a significant early mistake. The couple, who married in the picturesque village of Monsaraz, Portugal, in 2006, first crossed paths while walking their dogs in London’s Hyde Park. Marina’s concerns emerged after their first Christmas together, which did not go as smoothly as hoped.
In her recent column for The Times, Marina described how the festive season began on a sour note. She explained the disparity between her gift-giving approach and that of Ben’s family, who are known for their thoughtful and unique presents. Marina recalled, “It didn’t start well with my husband, Ben, who comes from a family of intuitively good gift givers.” In contrast to the antiques and rare finds that Ben’s family exchanged, her own family favored practicality.
Marina’s first gift for Ben included a telephone set with an integrated answering machine, remote-controlled lamp adaptors, a loo roll dispenser, and a doormat. She noted that when Ben unwrapped his present, “disappointment” was evident on his face. He had given her a ring with three emeralds, symbolizing their bond and the love for their two dogs. This moment led Marina to ponder whether Ben questioned the longevity of their marriage.
Despite those early challenges, Marina reflected on the successes they have enjoyed together over the years. One memorable occasion featured a commissioned portrait of Ben’s beloved dog, Inca, painted by artists Olly and Suzi. Unfortunately, Inca passed away just before Ben’s 40th birthday, prompting Marina to present the portrait early as a heartfelt memorial. She described Ben’s reaction as “lost for words” upon receiving the portrait.
Marina highlighted the ongoing difficulty of finding the perfect gifts for Ben, noting his tendency to purchase items he desires himself. While he appreciates thoughtful gifts, she mentioned that he sometimes misses the mark, recalling a beautifully crafted collapsible bar that she “hated.” With Christmas approaching, Marina humorously noted her struggle to find gifts for him, admitting that she has resorted to items like a “cleverly designed bread knife” and an “electric barbecue cleaner,” which she suspects will end up “out of sight” in five years.
Through her candid reflections, Marina Fogle paints a picture of the ups and downs in their relationship, illustrating that even in the face of early uncertainties, love and understanding can flourish over time.
