GERI Horner’s seemingly perfect life as a country horse-riding mum could come crashing down if it is revealed her F1 boss husband Christian behaved “inappropriately” towards a colleague.
And the PR guru has warned the former Spajsica to think twice before accepting former bandmate Victoria Beckham’s approach by showing marital unity.
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Geri and Christian built a country life together – and 14 barns – Credit: Geri Horner/Instagram
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Geri in her Spice Girls Union Jack days Credit: Getty
The once sassy Geri, who grew up on a Watford town estate, famously wore a revealing Union Jack dress to the Brit Awards and patted King Charles on the bum at the Royal Variety Performance in 1997.
But these days the 51-year-old has changed her image, sleeping with a Cotswold set, wearing only white and reportedly hoping to be awarded a CBE by the monarch for her work promoting literacy.
The honor could be at stake if allegations against Red Bull Racing boss Christian, who has been accused of “controlling behavior” with a female colleague, prove to be true.
Sources say the investigation will focus on employee concerns about Horner’s strict work schedule and not relate to any sexual impropriety.
The Spice Girl is said to be “too upset” to speak to “anyone” as her husband, 50, prepares for D-Day, which will discuss the claims on Friday.
But the Daily Mail reports that she will follow in the footsteps of bandmate Victoria, who publicly stood by husband David during allegations of an affair in 2004.
A source told the paper: “She’s going to stand by him and be there for him just as much as she always has been. She never misses a race and that’s not going to change.”
However, Geri, who now uses the surname Halliwell-Horner, should be careful when following Posh Spice’s example, says PR boss Jack Izzard, CEO of Rhizome Media.
He told The Sun: “If they are convinced that the allegations are unfounded and that an independent investigation will vindicate Mr Horner, they could make a public display of marital unity like Geri’s Spice Girls co-star Victoria Beckham did when it was revealed her husband David had an affair.
“But this is risky. Allegations of inappropriate behavior by a man in a position of power can sometimes have a toxic undertone far greater than that of an extramarital affair.”
Deceptive position
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Geri and Christian were married at Woburn Abbey in 2015. Credit: Splash News
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The couple often attends glamorous red carpet events Credit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
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Geri became a good friend of King CharlesCredit: AFP
In the ultimate PR Catch-22, hiding from the crisis may not be a good idea either.
Geri, who married Christian in 2015 after a whirlwind romance, is devoted to her husband – so much so that the Wi-Fi password at their home was once said to be “Wonderful Husband”.
Christian Horner’s Spice Girl wife Geri bakes a super swiss cake in a lavish country house
They have one son together, seven-year-old Monty, and she previously claimed that she would never divorce.
By not supporting Christian, she could give the impression that all is not well in the Halliwell-Horner household.
Jack warns: “Also, going into isolation could be interpreted as a sign of a breakdown in the couple’s relationship and fuel speculation that there is no smoke without fire.”
Of course, that would be unfair to Gera, who is said to have heard the news of the investigation into Christian’s workplace behavior come out of the blue.
Christian vehemently denies any wrongdoing and will defend himself at an internal hearing on Friday, which is said to be held at Red Bull’s headquarters in Milton Keynes.
Gera’s husband has been the boss of Red Bull’s Formula 1 racing team since it was launched in 2005.
It brought remarkable success, including seven championship crowns for its drivers and six constructors’ titles.
But earlier this week the Austrian firm revealed it was investigating allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” by Christian.
It issued a statement saying: “After becoming aware of certain recent allegations, the company has launched an independent investigation. The company takes these matters extremely seriously.”
Going into isolation could be interpreted as a sign of a break
Jack Izzard
Up until now, the main complaints against Christian have been from his F1 rivals, who have seemed sour grapes for his success.
He is a workaholic who does not miss a single race and admits that he is driven by the need to win.
Jack comments: “There is a brutal irony here. The reputation of the woman whose plastered Union Jack dress once made her the avatar of Girl Power and Cool Britannia now hangs in the balance, not because of anything she did, but because of the allegations surrounding her husband.”
Downton dream
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Prince William shared a friendly hug with Geri at a charity event for the homeless Credit: Getty
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Christian and Geri hang out with Prince Harry in 2014. Credit: Getty
Geri and Christian’s romance was somehow born at the castle.
Their second meeting in history was at Highclere Castle in Hampshire, which is the setting of the popular TV drama Downton Abbey.
They met at clay pigeon shooting and realized that they had a passion for rural activities.
Since becoming Mrs Halliwell-Horner, Geri seems to have moved closer to a circle more familiar to her privately educated husband.
Geri, whose mum was a cleaner, counts Baroness Bamford, who lives nearby on a 1,500-acre Cotswolds estate, among her friends these days – along with top royals.
In November 2022, Queen Consort Camilla gave Geri a warm hug at a reception at Buckingham Palace in London.
She was also hugged by Prince William when she appeared with him at an event for his homeless charity Homewards.
And shortly after the king’s coronation last year, Geri pecked Charles on the cheek at a Prince’s Trust event.
Everything is completely white
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Geri’s animal farm includes a donkey Credit: Instagram/TheRealGeriHalliwel
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Geri loves country life – including picking fresh raspberries Credit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
The only constant at all these events was the color of Geri’s dress. Even when riding their horses at the couple’s Oxfordshire estate, white is preferred.
She explained her style passion to The Sun, saying: “Everything becomes really simple. It’s like wearing a school uniform as an adult.
“It goes with everything and I literally don’t have to think in the morning. It kind of looks like you made an effort when you didn’t.”
And to look at the singer-turned-children’s author’s Instagram page, you’d think her life was perfect bliss.
A week ago she celebrated her horse. Check out Mee’s first race; five weeks ago Christian received a CBE and before Christmas she threw a 50th birthday party for her husband.
Guests included Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood, Rod Stewart and Gary Barlow.
When it was Gera’s 50th birthday in 2022, David Walliams, Holly Willoughby, Rylan, Chris Evans, Myleene Klass and Poppy Delevingne joined in the celebrations.
Somehow it looks like you made an effort when you didn’t
Geri always wears white
Since the couple are worth £440 million, they can certainly afford extravagant parties.
They recently built 14 stables for their horses that will participate in the races. Their home in Banbury has donkeys, goats, ducks and recently graced the cover of the luxury magazine Country & Town House.
Geri’s daughter Bluebell, 17, and Christian’s daughter Olivia, ten – both from previous relationships – also share the lavish villa.
She likes to bake with the kids and cook for her husband when she’s not at the Grand Prix races.
On Friday, Christian will be in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
If she comes out with her good reputation, there will be no reason why Gera’s high-level life among the upper classes cannot continue.
But if not, the glamorous invitations to the power couple are sure to dry up.
Jack concludes: “Ultimately the results of the investigation will determine whether it was just an engine problem or a high speed crash for F1’s golden pair.”
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Queen consort Camilla hugs GeriCredit: Getty
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Geri sings to her husband Christian with friends from the variety show Credit: Instagram
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Source: HIS Education