Jane Seymour Shares Rare Wedding Photos from First Marriage to Michael Attenborough to Mark His Uncle David’s 100th Birthday

Jane Seymour Reflects on First Marriage as She Celebrates David Attenborough’s 100th Birthday

Jane Seymour, the renowned actress best known for her roles in films and television, has taken a moment to commemorate a significant milestone in her life and family. On 9 May, the 75-year-old shared intimate photographs from her wedding to her first husband, Michael Attenborough, to honour the centenary of his uncle, the legendary broadcaster and naturalist David Attenborough.

In her heartfelt post on Instagram, Seymour described the wedding photos, captured in 1971, as originating from “a very special chapter” in her life. She expressed her admiration for David Attenborough’s profound influence, stating, “It felt like a lovely opportunity to honour someone whose voice, passion, and dedication have educated and inspired so many people around the world.”

One of the photos shared features a youthful Seymour in a delicate white lace wedding dress, clutching a bouquet of white flowers. The image captures the magic of the occasion, set against a backdrop of a beautifully landscaped garden. Other snapshots include the couple surrounded by family and friends, including the celebrated naturalist himself.

In her tribute to David, who turned 100 on 8 May, Seymour praised his enduring warmth and genuine curiosity about life and the natural world. She wrote, “David has always carried such warmth and genuine curiosity about life, people and the world around him. It’s impossible not to admire the extraordinary legacy he continues to create.” Her post culminated in a wish for a birthday “filled with love and celebration.”

Seymour’s first marriage to Michael Attenborough lasted two years, ending in divorce in 1973. Michael, the son of actor-director Richard Attenborough, had crossed paths with Seymour when they were both navigating their early careers in the performing arts. Reflecting on their relationship in a 2023 interview with The Times, she shared insights into their youthful bond.

“We grew up together,” she recalled. “I grew up with his sisters. We all shared rooms together, and we’re still very close friends.” Seymour recounted meeting Michael at the invitation of his father, who introduced them due to their shared love of theatre. The actress noted that their marriage came at a formative period in her life, right before her breakout role in the James Bond film, “Live and Let Die” (1973).

Seymour acknowledged that both she and Michael were too young for marriage at the time. She explained, “I think we realised we were too young,” as their careers began to diverge. Michael pursued work in theatre while Jane’s star began to rise, leading to eventual separation as he met someone else.

Throughout her life, Seymour has experienced several other unions, including marriages to Geoffrey Planer, David Flynn, and James Keach. She maintains amicable relationships with all her former partners, describing them as “still very, very close” friends. “Every time I see someone I used to be involved with, even if it was for a short time, I’m close to them,” she revealed, offering a candid perspective on navigating relationships as a public figure.

Currently, Seymour is in a relationship with musician and physician John Zambetti. In a 2025 interview with Hello! magazine, she spoke about their partnership, expressing surprise at finding a “really committed, healthy, lovely, loving relationship” at this stage of her life. She embraced her age with enthusiasm, declaring, “70 is the new 50.”

As she continues to celebrate life’s milestones and cherished memories, Jane Seymour’s recent reflections highlight the importance of connection and the enduring impact of familial bonds—both in the context of her own journey and the legacy of the Attenborough family. The photographs she shared serve as a reminder of the chapters that shape us, even those that are left behind.