Ben Fogle’s wife, Marina, revealed her initial fears that their marriage might not endure after a significant gift-giving mishap during their first Christmas together. The couple, who met serendipitously while walking their dogs in London’s Hyde Park, tied the knot in the picturesque village of Monsaraz, Portugal, in 2006. Marina’s reflections on their early days reveal the complexities of blending different family traditions.
In her column for The Times, Marina described how their inaugural festive season “didn’t start well.” While Ben hails from a family renowned for their exceptional gift-giving abilities, Marina admitted to taking a more practical approach. She humorously characterized herself as “absolutely hopeless” at choosing presents.
The stark contrast in their gifting styles became evident when she recounted a trip to John Lewis after settling into their first home. Marina purchased Ben a selection of practical items including a telephone set with an integrated answering machine, remote-controlled lamp adaptors, a loo roll dispenser, and a doormat. In contrast, Ben gifted Marina a beautiful ring featuring three emeralds that symbolized their union and their two beloved dogs.
Marina noted that Ben’s expression upon opening her gifts revealed his disappointment. She reflected, “Part of him had to be wondering how long this marriage would last.”
Despite the rocky start, Marina acknowledged that she has experienced “some successes” in their years together. One memorable occasion involved commissioning artists Olly and Suzi to create a portrait of Ben’s cherished dog, Inca. Tragically, Inca passed away just before Marina could present it to Ben for his 40th birthday. In a poignant gesture, she chose to give him the gift early as a memorial. Marina recounted that Ben was “lost for words” upon receiving the heartfelt gift.
Marina also shared insights into Ben’s own challenges with gift-giving. While he appreciates thoughtful presents, she noted that he occasionally misses the mark, recalling a “beautifully crafted” collapsible bar that she “hated.” With limited options left for gifts, she humorously mentioned her latest finds, including a cleverly designed bread knife, an electric barbecue cleaner, and an in-flight neck support. Marina expressed confidence that Ben would likely “hate” these items, predicting they would be tucked away and forgotten within five years.
Through her candid reflections, Marina Fogle highlights the often humorous and challenging dynamics of navigating marriage, especially when it comes to differing expectations and traditions. What began as a source of concern has transformed into a journey filled with both memorable gifts and heartfelt moments that continue to shape their relationship.
