The Packer Siblings Together Again? The Quiet Family Moment at Francesca Packer’s Wedding That Had Everyone Talking
A wedding that became more than a celebration
Francesca Packer’s lavish wedding celebrations in Mallorca were always expected to attract attention for their luxury setting and star-studded guest list.
But beyond the breathtaking venue and glamorous festivities, it was one family moment that quietly captured the spotlight – the rare reunion of billionaire siblings James Packer and Gretel Packer, who were seen coming together for the next generation of the famous Packer family.
For many observers, it marked a symbolic new chapter after years of reported family tensions.
A rare reunion after years of reported differences
James and Gretel, the children of late media titan Kerry Packer, reportedly spent much of the past decade at odds following disagreements over the division of their father’s vast estate.
Their relationship became strained as James navigated an extraordinarily difficult period in his life, including mental health struggles, addiction issues and the collapse of his marriage, while major business pressures surrounded Crown Resorts’ international expansion.
Although both siblings have publicly expressed their love and respect for one another over the years, James acknowledged in his 2018 autobiography The Price of Fortune that “unforgivable” things had been said during the dispute.
This week, however, the focus appeared to be on family rather than the past.
Francesca’s wedding brings the Packer family together
The three-day celebration in Mallorca brought together relatives from across Australia and Europe to celebrate the marriage of Francesca Packer and wellness executive Robert Bates.
The couple had already legally married in Australia in May before hosting the larger European celebration overlooking the Mediterranean.
Guests included:
- James Packer and his fiancée Kylie Lim
- James’ former wife Erica Packer
- Their children Indigo, Jackson and Emmanuelle
- Erica’s partner Sébastien Aguettant
- Gretel Packer
- Francesca’s father Nick Barham
- Other close family members and friends
For the first time in years, several branches of the Packer family gathered to celebrate a joyful occasion together.
Two extraordinary superyachts added another remarkable family touch
Adding to the symbolism were two vessels carrying decades of Packer family history.
Gretel’s expedition yacht Arctic—once owned by Kerry Packer—served as the floating headquarters for parts of the wedding celebrations and is expected to host some of the festivities during the three-day event.
Nearby, James Packer’s 107-metre superyacht IJE also anchored off Mallorca.
According to reports, it is believed to be the first time the two iconic vessels have been moored together, creating another memorable image during the family reunion.
Honouring the past while celebrating a new generation
The wedding also represented an important milestone for the Packer family.
Francesca became the first member of the next generation of the billionaire dynasty to celebrate her marriage in such a major family gathering.
While her grandmother Roslyn Packer—widow of Kerry Packer—reportedly remained in Sydney after attending the couple’s legal wedding in Australia earlier this year, the European celebration united relatives from several generations.
For many, it became less about wealth and luxury, and more about family coming together.
A celebration that may signal a new chapter
Whether the reunion marks a lasting reconciliation between James and Gretel remains unknown.
Neither sibling has publicly commented on their relationship during the wedding celebrations.
But as family members gathered beneath the Mediterranean sun to celebrate Francesca’s new beginning, the occasion offered a rare glimpse of unity inside one of Australia’s most famous—and often private—families.
Sometimes, the most memorable moment at a wedding isn’t the ceremony itself, but the people who quietly choose to stand together again.