The Glin Castle Keepers: 7 Ways Dominic West And Catherine FitzGerald Forged An Unbreakable Bond After Public Scrutiny

The marriage of actor Dominic West and Irish aristocrat Catherine FitzGerald remains one of Hollywood’s most compelling—and scrutinized—relationships. Despite a period of intense public drama that threatened to overshadow their decade-long union, the couple has consistently affirmed that their bond is "strong" and they are "very much still together." As of December 2025, they continue to live a dual life, balancing West’s high-profile acting career, including his recent, acclaimed role as Prince Charles in *The Crown*, with FitzGerald’s deep commitment to her ancestral home, Glin Castle in County Limerick, Ireland. This article provides an in-depth look at their unique partnership, from their shared history and distinct careers to the private, castle-dwelling life that has anchored them through the most challenging public storms. Their story is a powerful exploration of heritage, commitment, and the resilience required to maintain a private life under the intense glare of the media spotlight.

Dominic West and Catherine FitzGerald: A Detailed Biography and Profile

The foundation of their relationship is built on a shared past, intellectual connection, and a deep, mutual respect for their respective professional worlds.

Dominic West (The Actor)

• Full Name: Dominic Gerard Francis Eagleton West
• Date of Birth: October 15, 1969 (Age 56 as of late 2025)
• Place of Birth: Sheffield, Yorkshire, England
• Education: Trinity College Dublin (MA), Guildhall School of Music and Drama (MA)
• Key Roles: Jimmy McNulty in *The Wire* (2002–2008), Noah Solloway in *The Affair* (2014–2019), Prince Charles in *The Crown* (Seasons 5 & 6, 2022–2023).
• First Child: He has an eldest daughter, Martha West, from his previous relationship with Polly Astor.

Catherine FitzGerald (The Landscape Designer)

• Date of Birth: May 18, 1971 (Age 54 as of late 2025)
• Profession: Highly respected Irish landscape designer and gardener.
• Company: Partner in the acclaimed Lutyens & FitzGerald Landscape Design.
• Key Projects: Restoration and design work at historic sites, including Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland and the gardens at her family’s Glin Castle.
• Aristocratic Lineage: She is a member of the ancient Anglo-Irish FitzGerald family and the daughter of the last hereditary Knight of Glin. She was previously married to Edward Lambton, the 7th Earl of Durham, which briefly gave her the title of Viscountess Lambton.

The Family and Glin Castle

Dominic and Catherine first dated while at Trinity College Dublin before reconnecting years later. They married in June 2010 at Glin Castle and have four children together: Dora, Senan, Francis, and Christabel. Their family life gained a unique spotlight when their son, Senan West, was cast to play a young Prince William alongside his father’s Prince Charles in the final seasons of *The Crown*, turning the Netflix series into a family project.

The Lily James Scandal and the ‘Strong Marriage’ Declaration

In October 2020, the couple’s private life became front-page news worldwide. Dominic West was photographed in Rome with his *The Pursuit of Love* co-star, Lily James, leading to immediate and intense speculation about the state of his marriage. The images sparked a media frenzy, with tabloids questioning the future of his relationship with Catherine FitzGerald.

A United Front

The day after the photos surfaced, Dominic West and Catherine FitzGerald executed a remarkable and highly public display of unity. They addressed reporters outside their Wiltshire home, sharing a kiss and a hug. More significantly, they handed out a handwritten note to the press.

The note was short, direct, and unambiguous: "Our marriage is strong and we’re very much still together. Thank you. Catherine and Dominic."

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This swift, decisive action was interpreted by many relationship experts as a strategic move to control the narrative and shut down speculation. The couple’s refusal to engage in a prolonged public drama cemented their decision to move past the incident privately, prioritizing their family and home life over the media's appetite for scandal.

7 Ways Dominic and Catherine Forged an Unbreakable Post-Scandal Bond

The longevity of their marriage, particularly after such a public challenge, is often attributed to a few key anchors in their shared life. These factors provide a blueprint for how the couple maintains their privacy and commitment away from the Hollywood machine.

1. The Anchor of Glin Castle and Irish Heritage

Glin Castle is arguably the most powerful entity in their relationship. It has been the hereditary seat of the FitzGerald family and the Knights of Glin for over 800 years. When Catherine’s father, Desmond FitzGerald, the 29th and last Knight of Glin, passed away, the couple purchased the castle to keep it in the family.

The castle, which they now run as a luxury private hire venue, represents a profound commitment to Catherine's family history and Irish roots. This shared project of restoration and preservation has given them a purpose far greater than any individual career or scandal.

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2. The Power of Shared Creative Projects

While Dominic is an actor and Catherine is a landscape designer, their work on Glin Castle is a shared creative endeavor. Catherine oversees the restoration of the 10 acres of historic gardens, while Dominic is involved in the overall management and promotion of the estate. Their collaboration on this massive, hands-on project binds them together in a concrete, tangible way.

3. The Dual-Career Balance

Unlike many celebrity couples, Catherine FitzGerald maintains a distinct, highly respected career outside of Hollywood. Her work on major projects like Hillsborough Castle and her firm, Lutyens & FitzGerald, ensures she is not solely defined by her husband’s fame. This professional independence creates a balanced dynamic, where both partners have their own domain of authority and success.

4. The Decision to Control the Narrative

The immediate and united front they presented in 2020 was a powerful signal to the media that they would not be drawn into a public divorce or separation saga. By issuing their statement and then retreating from further comment, they effectively starved the story of oxygen. This shared strategy demonstrated a unified commitment to their private life.

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5. A Large, Anchoring Family

With four children together—Dora, Senan, Francis, and Christabel—plus Dominic's eldest, Martha, the focus on their large family unit provides a powerful incentive for stability. The children, particularly Senan’s high-profile role in *The Crown*, keep the family interconnected with West’s professional life, reinforcing the idea of a shared future.

6. Embracing the Irish Country Life

Their primary residence at Glin Castle offers a stark contrast to the high-pressure environment of London or Los Angeles. This move to a more rural, heritage-focused life in County Limerick allows them to raise their children away from the daily paparazzi culture, prioritizing a grounded, historical, and nature-centric existence.

7. Mutual Professional Support

Despite the personal turmoil, Dominic West’s career has soared with his role in *The Crown* and other projects like *SAS Rogue Heroes*. Catherine has consistently supported his work, and Dominic has publicly spoken about his admiration for her career and her role as the "Queen of the Castle." Their ability to compartmentalize and support each other's professional success, even during personal difficulty, highlights their maturity as a couple.