Sir Alan Bates, renowned campaigner for victims of the Horizon scandal, has exchanged vows with his long-term partner Suzanne Sercombe. The nuptials took place on Necker Island, the private Caribbean retreat owned by Sir Richard Branson.
The 74-acre island, part of the British Virgin Islands, provided a picturesque backdrop for the intimate ceremony. Branson himself officiated the union, adding a personal touch to the proceedings. The couple's decision to wed after 34 years together was influenced by Bates' recent knighthood, awarded in June 2024.
The newlyweds' attire reflected the relaxed island atmosphere, with Lady Bates donning a floral-patterned dress and Sir Alan sporting a Hawaiian-style shirt. These colorful garments, reminiscent of the Aloha shirts that originated in Hawaii in the 1920s, complemented the tropical setting.
"Ever since I've had this knighthood, people haven't been sure how to address Suzanne. Even I wasn't sure. I thought, 'It's only fair. It's time to resolve that.' Personally, I blame the King. It's been 34 years and we've managed to never do it but he really dropped me in it."
The wedding marks a joyous milestone for Bates, who has dedicated over two decades to advocating for those affected by the Horizon IT system scandal. This issue, which began in 1999, led to the wrongful prosecution of more than 900 sub-postmasters across the United Kingdom.
In 2019, Bates and over 500 former sub-postmasters achieved a significant victory in the High Court against the Post Office. This legal triumph later inspired the ITV drama series "Mr Bates vs The Post Office," which aired in 2024.
The couple's journey to marital bliss included first-class travel from London to Antigua, followed by a week-long stay on Necker Island. They subsequently spent an additional week in Antigua, part of the Leeward Islands, where they celebrated Sir Alan's birthday in early September 2024.
As the newlyweds bask in their honeymoon glow, the focus will soon shift back to the ongoing Horizon scandal investigation. The seventh and final phase of the public inquiry is set to commence later this month. Key figures expected to provide testimony include Post Office Chief Executive Nick Read and former Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch.
This inquiry represents a crucial step in addressing the far-reaching consequences of the Horizon system's failures and seeks to provide justice for those affected by one of the most significant miscarriages of justice in recent UK history.