London: The wife of a London financier instantly became wealthier than Britain's Queen on Wednesday when she was awarded a divorce settlement of £337 million (Dh1.94 billion) — but is considering appealing against the sum which she claims is not enough.
The potential payout is thought to be the biggest divorce settlement ever awarded by a judge in England. Sir Chris Hohn and his estranged wife, Jamie Cooper-Hohn, had fought over their share of a pounds £700 million fortune at a trial in the Family Division of the High Court in London this summer. The £337 million settlement makes Jamie wealthier than the Queen who, at 285 in the Sunday Times Rich List, has a personal fortune of £330 million.
Lawyers for Jamie indicated at the hearing that they were considering an appeal against the decision — and discussed with the judge how long they would have in which to submit an application. A lawyer representing Sir Chris told the court that “we are” anxious to “move on with things”, but the “wife is not”.
Details of the figure awarded to Jamie emerged at a private hearing in London on Wednesday. Sir Chris said she should get a quarter of their £700 million fortune, but she claimed she should get half — £350 million — because the wealth was created as a result of their “partnership”.
Sir Chris has become one of the country’s most generous philanthropists after giving more than £1 billion to charity through the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, which is linked to his hedge fund.
During the case, his wife suggested that she had influenced him to give so much of his wealth to good causes, saying that when she met Sir Chris he was only interested in becoming rich. The couple, who have homes in England, the United States and the West Indies, separated in 2012 after being married for more than 15 years.
Sir Chris disputed Jamie’s claims and insisted that philanthropy had always been important to him. However, he was a “realist” and knew he would have to become rich to put any charitable ideals into practice.
Mrs Justice Roberts has yet to deliver a detailed ruling on the dispute, but a draft version has been given to both Sir Chris and Jamie Cooper-Hohn, as well as their legal teams. The judge had allowed journalists to cover the trial, but has placed limits on what can be reported. Both Sir Chris and Jamie — who are both thought to be in their late 40s — were at Wednesday’s hearing. Neither commented as they left court.
