Brought together by tragedy? Kate Winslet and Richard Branson's married nephew 'become an item' after devastating Necker Island fire

By Alanah Eriksen


Budding romance? Kate Winslet and Richard Branson's nephew Ned Rocknroll, arrive together at the memorial celebration for the mogul's father Ted in London


She was hailed a heroine after saving Richard Branson's mother from his burning villa in the Caribbean.

But it now seems the trip may have produced another memory for Kate Winslet.

The actress, 35, is said to be dating the mogul's nephew, Ned Rocknroll.


They became close while holidaying at the luxury house on Necker Island last month, The Sun reported.

The pair were pictured arriving together for the memorial for Richard's father Ted in London on Tuesday.

Love in the air: Kate and Ned, who changed his name from Abel Smith by deed poll, are said to have become close on Necker Island in the Caribbean


But Ned, 33, who changed his named from Abel Smith by deed poll, is still married and his estranged wife Eliza, 23, reportedly wants him back.

A source told the paper that after the couple split earlier this year 'Ned was heartbroken and went to Necker island to take his mind of things.

'But when Kate came out they really hit it off. They had met before on the island but were both in relationships.

Is it over for good? Kate was pictured with her on-off boyfriend Louis Dowler on August 20 but had not been seen with him before that since November

Not giving up: Ned's estranged wife Eliza reportedly wants him back


'When they left they travelled to New York to be together.'

But the new couple are keeping tight-lipped on any romance. Kate's agent told the MailOnline today: 'As usual, I am making no comment on Kate's private life.'

Kate was pictured leaving for the island from Gatwick with her on-off boyfriend, Burberry model Louis Dowler on August 20.

Before that they had not been seen together since November 2010 and he did not accompany her to the Emmy Awards over the weekend where she won a gong for her role in Mildred Pierce.

The source added: 'Kate has been so happy. At the Emmys all she did was keep showing people pictures of Ned and talking about him.'

Meanwhile his wife Eliza reportedly said: 'I've changed my mind about the divorce. I am hoping this will turn out to be more of a break.

'I have never stopped loving him and we are soulmates. We're not getting divorced.'
The couple were married in a lavish ceremony in 2009 at Eliza's family's estate in Sussex.

Princess Beatrice is said to have been a guest.

Kate was with her two children Mia, 10, and Joe, seven, when she carried Richard's mother Eve downstairs as his home on the island burned to the ground on August 22.


source:dailymail