Who is Hugh Bonneville’s new girlfriend, Claire Rankin? Meet the Downton Abbey star’s Canadian love interest as he moves on just months after splitting from his ex-wife Lulu Williams

Hugh Bonneville and his wife Lulu Williams recently separated after 25 years of marriage.

And the Downton Abbey star, 60, has already left his marriage to Canadian actress Claire Rankin, 53.

The couple have reportedly gone on a series of dates and spent time at their London apartment, as well as an evening at the luxurious Broadwick Soho Hotel.

According to The Sun, Hugh also took the actress to an event at Buckingham Palace where she met Queen Camilla and to dinner with her Downton co-stars.

So who is his rumored new girlfriend, Claire Rankin? Keep reading to find out.

Who is Claire Rankin?

Claire Rankin is a Canadian actress who grew up on Prince Edward Island.

The star began acting in Shakespeare plays in the ’90s and appeared on shows including Ally McBeal, Without A Trace and House.

Claire, who is also a professional dancer, currently stars in the Canadian comedy series Son of a Critch.

Claire was previously married to actor Josh Randall, who appeared alongside Hugh in US comedy Courting Alex almost 20 years ago.

How did Hugh and Claire meet?

Hugh has been on a series of dates with Claire, just months after his split from wife Lulu Williams.

He has reportedly been spending time with Claire at her London apartment, as well as an evening at the luxury Broadwick Soho hotel.

According to The Sun, Hugh also took the actress to an event at Buckingham Palace where she met Queen Camilla and to dinner with her Downton co-stars.

Claire was previously married to actor Josh Randall, who appeared alongside Hugh in US comedy Courting Alex almost 20 years ago.

Claire has shared snaps from her recent trip to London on her Instagram account, however Hugh does not appear in them.

An onlooker who saw the couple strolling through central London said: “Hugh and Claire looked so happy together they couldn’t stop smiling.”

“They looked like any other couple and seemed to really enjoy each other’s company.”

Recently, Hugh gave a reading to the young winners of a BBC writing competition with Claire in the audience.

On Wednesday, they were said to have enjoyed dinner with Hugh’s Downton co-star Michelle Dockery.

On Friday, Claire shared a photo taken at the airport as she prepared to return to Canada.

When did Hugh split from his wife Lulu Williams?

A spokesperson for Hugh confirmed in September that he and his ex Lulu, who lived together for 25 years at their West Sussex home, had ended their marriage.

However, it seems the split hasn’t been easy, with a source revealing: “It’s clear that Lulu feels that 20-odd years of marriage doesn’t count for anything.”

Lulu often accompanied her husband to premieres and film sets and her recent absence sparked rumors that the couple was having problems.

The actor, famous for his role as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, had never shied away from expressing his love for Lulu, having previously called her his “base” and “anchor” and credited his wife for being the backbone backbone of your home.

A source told The Sun: ‘Hugh has been filming away from home a lot this year. He has lost a little weight this summer and looked slim, tanned and relaxed.’

The heartbreak came just five years after the couple renewed their vows at Graceland Chapel in Las Vegas.

The couple met when they were teenagers, but reconnected later in life and got together in their 30s, thanks in large part to Hugh’s mother, Patricia.

Hugh has said: “Lulu ran a marquee company… my mother called her to rent some chairs or something and said, ‘Do you remember Hugh?'”

“It infuriated me that I had to give all the credit to my mother for reintroducing us.”

The former couple later married in November 1998.

In previous interviews, Bonneville stated that he was “completely indebted” to his wife for the way she supported him throughout his career while caring for their son Felix, 20, who has also found success on screen.

“Lulú’s priority has been to be a foundation for Félix and me and I am completely indebted to her,” he said.