Australian Heiress Primrose Dunlop, Famously Left at the Altar, Passes Away at 70
Australian socialite and heiress Primrose Dunlop, whose high-profile wedding scandal made international headlines in 1990, has passed away at the age of 70.
Dunlop, the daughter of Australian society icon Lady Primrose Potter, was heir to a $60 million fortune. She was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and entered full-time care in 2022. She passed away on February 5, her family confirmed.
The Wedding That Never Was
Dunlop, affectionately known as “Pitty Pat” by friends, was set to marry flight attendant Lorenzo Montesini in a grand wedding in Venice. the lavish four-day event never took place. On the night before the ceremony, Montesini ran off with his best man, revealing he had been in a two-decade-long relationship with a partner he had met in Vietnam at the age of 19.
The shocking turn of events captivated Australia and the world, with the high-society drama becoming one of the most talked-about scandals of its time.
A Life Beyond the Headlines
Despite the heartbreak, Dunlop went on to lead a fulfilling life and later became a countess. She also had a daughter, who now resides in London.
Her mother, Lady Potter AC, honoured her memory with a $1 million donation to The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, stating, “My daughter, Primrose, has lost her battle with frontotemporal dementia — a heart-wrenching disease.”
Tributes and Remembrance
Entertainment reporter Peter Ford paid tribute to primrose Dunlop on Wednesday, acknowledging the mark she left on Australian pop culture.
“Firstly, condolences to Lady Potter and also to Primrose’s daughter on the loss of Primrose. She was only 70 years old. In recent years, she had been suffering from frontotemporal dementia,” Ford said.
Reflecting on her infamous wedding scandal, he added, “This was a huge story back in the day. No expense was spared, and people flew in from all over the world. Then, the night before, Prince Lorenzo ran off with the best man, leaving Primrose at the altar.”
Despite the dramatic past, Ford emphasized that Dunlop went on to live a happy life, noting that her story was so compelling that it could have been turned into a movie.
primrose Dunlop family will hold a private memorial service this week to honour her life and legacy.
