British journalist and broadcaster Rod Liddle was known for his sharp opinions, distinctive writing style, and decades of influence in UK media. Away from the headlines created by his columns, his personal life also attracted considerable public attention, particularly his marriages and family relationships.
At the time of his death on August 2, 2026, Rod Liddle was married to his second wife, Alicia Monckton. Their relationship began under intense media scrutiny but later developed into a long-term partnership and family life.
Who Was Alicia Monckton?
Alicia Monckton was Rod Liddle’s second wife. The couple married in 2008 after their relationship became public several years earlier.
Before marrying Liddle, Monckton worked as a receptionist at The Spectator, where she first met him. Their relationship became a major subject of tabloid coverage in 2004 when news of their affair emerged while Liddle was still married to his first wife, Rachel Royce.
Despite the controversial beginning, Liddle and Monckton remained together and eventually built a family.
Their Marriage
Rod Liddle and Alicia Monckton officially married in 2008, four years after their relationship became public.
The couple shared a daughter named Emmy, who became the youngest of Liddle’s three children. While Liddle often wrote publicly about politics, culture, and society, he generally kept his later family life more private.
Monckton remained away from much of the media spotlight, unlike the highly publicized period surrounding the beginning of their relationship.
Family Life
Rod Liddle was the father of three children.
With his first wife, Rachel Royce, he had two sons, Tyler and Wilder. Later, with Alicia Monckton, he welcomed his daughter Emmy.
His children were central figures in his final days. Following his death, Tyler, Wilder, and Emmy released a statement confirming that their father had passed away after a short illness.
The family requested privacy as they dealt with the loss of the journalist and father.
First Marriage To Rachel Royce
Before marrying Alicia Monckton, Rod Liddle was married to Rachel Royce, a television presenter and journalist.
The pair had been together for more than a decade before officially marrying in January 2004. During their relationship, they welcomed two sons, Tyler and Wilder.
However, the marriage ended shortly after the wedding when Royce discovered Liddle’s affair with Monckton.
A Public Separation
The breakup between Rod Liddle and Rachel Royce became one of the more widely discussed celebrity media stories in Britain at the time.
Both Liddle and Royce publicly addressed aspects of their separation through newspaper columns, creating an unusually open discussion about their personal conflict.
One of the most memorable moments from the dispute came when Royce reportedly arranged for 10 bags of manure to be delivered to Liddle’s office as an expression of anger over the betrayal.
Their divorce was eventually finalized in 2007.
Relationship With Alicia
After the end of his first marriage, Liddle continued his relationship with Alicia Monckton. Although their beginnings were surrounded by controversy, they maintained a long-term partnership.
Their marriage lasted until Liddle’s death in 2026. Compared with the public drama of his earlier separation, his later years with Monckton were much more private.
The couple focused on raising their daughter Emmy while Liddle continued his journalism career.
Rod Liddle’s Career
Rod Liddle built a reputation as one of Britain’s most recognizable and debated columnists.
He began his career in broadcasting and became editor of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme during the 1990s. Later, he became known for his newspaper columns, particularly through his work with publications including The Sunday Times and The Spectator.
His writing often attracted strong reactions. Supporters praised his ability to challenge conventional ideas, while critics questioned some of his views.
Regardless of opinion, Liddle remained an influential figure in British journalism.
Final Years
In his final years, Rod Liddle continued writing and contributing to public debate.
His death at the age of 66 was announced after a short illness. His children confirmed that he had spent several weeks in hospital before passing away.
Tributes followed from colleagues across British media, who remembered his talent, intelligence, and unmistakable voice.
Rod Liddle’s wife at the time of his death was Alicia Monckton, whom he married in 2008. Their relationship produced one daughter, Emmy, and continued for nearly two decades.
Before Monckton, Liddle was married to Rachel Royce, with whom he shared two sons, Tyler and Wilder. Their separation became a highly publicized media story after the discovery of his affair with Monckton.
While Rod Liddle’s journalism often placed him at the center of debate, his personal life also reflected a complicated journey of relationships, family, and change. His legacy remains tied not only to his controversial columns but also to the family he left behind.
