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With their 16th wedding anniversary just around the corner, friends say Rod Stewart and his wife Penny Lancaster were determined to make their trip to Australia unforgettable… by getting married again!
The 78-year-old rocker, who has been touring Down Under for the past month, has been relishing catching up with his Antipodean friends as the duo enjoyed the sunshine with their sons Alastair, 17, and Aiden, 12, and niece Raphaella, 18.
‘There’s a very good reason why Rod’s insisted he space out his tour dates – it’s the perfect place and the perfect time to renew their wedding vows,’ says a longtime friend.
‘They wanted to do this years ago but, just like his Aussie tour, that’s been another thing on hold. Now they can’t wait and are using this chance to do something special while here.’
All for Love: The couple reportedly renewed their vows on Sydney Harbour.
(Image: Getty)
AGAINST THE ODDS
“They love Australia and have incredibly happy family memories of their time there when the boys were little. They think there’s something magical about Australia and want to exchange new marriage vows there. Penny’s made Rod a very happy man and he can’t wait to celebrate their against-all-odds union.”
It’s taken eight kids by five women, three wives and an infidelity in the early part of his relationship with Penny, 52, to reform the notorious ladies’ man, but friends say the rocker’s finally found his home with the gorgeous model.
“Penny is the first woman Rod’s been faithful to, after an early hiccup that saw her walk out on him,” adds the friend.
The couple are closer than ever.
(Image: Getty)The couple, who married at a medieval monastery in Italy’s Portofino on June 16, 2007, have had their share of ups and downs, but famously renewed their wedding vows in 2017 under an ancient beech tree in the grounds of their Essex home.
“Penny and Rod love being in love, they think there’s something fun about celebrating their vows in different locations around the world, so why not do it all again in Sydney!”
The Love Boat: Rod and Penny at their 2007 Italian wedding.
(Image: Getty)PLACE TO PARTY
Indeed, the couple were seen taking a boat out in Sydney’s harbour last week, as well as enjoying dinner at the famous Opera House with breakfast TV veteran Richard Wilkins, prompting speculation they might have done just that.
“Penny is my whole world. What a girl,” Rod previously said of his wife at their 2017 vow renewal.
“Love means many things to many people but to me it’s wanting to share everything with the one you love and I love Penny more now than ever, if that is at all possible. It was a beautifully romantic thing to do. We’re not proving anything, just sharing our love with our friends and family.”
These two certainly know how to party!
(Image: Getty)