Sting and Frances Tomelty, once married for eight years, parted ways in 1984 under circumstances that permanently altered their relationship. Their split was deeply influenced by Sting’s affair with Tomelty’s close friend and neighbour, Trudie Styler.

Background of Their Relationship

Frances Tomelty, an accomplished Irish actress known for roles in productions like The Amazing Mrs. Pritchard and Vanity Fair, met Sting while working on the musical Rock Nativity. Sting, an English musician and songwriter, was involved in the production’s music. The couple married on May 1, 1976, and had two children: Fuschia Katherine (born November 23, 1976) and Sumner (born April 17, 1982).

The Affair and Divorce

During their marriage, Sting developed a romantic relationship with Trudie Styler, a close friend of Frances and their neighbour in London’s Bayswater area. Sting revealed in his autobiography that he fell for Styler early on but delayed acting on his feelings due to his marriage. Styler traveled with Sting’s band during their 1983 world tour, despite his marital status.

The affair became public, causing significant personal and professional repercussions for Styler, including accusations that impacted her career and blame for the breakup of The Police band. Sting and Tomelty separated in 1982, shortly after their second child’s birth, leading to a divorce finalized after the birth of Sting and Styler’s first child in 1984.

Life After Divorce

  • Sting: He married Trudie Styler in 1992. The couple has since had three children and maintains residences across Italy, England, New York, and London. Their marriage, once tumultuous, is now regarded as stable and influential.
  • Frances Tomelty: She chose not to remarry, focusing on raising her two children and continuing her acting career away from the public eye.

Current Relationship Status

Sting and Frances Tomelty are no longer friends and have not reconciled since their divorce. Their connection now primarily exists through their adult children. Frances attended her daughter Fuschia’s wedding in Sicily in 2025, highlighting ongoing family ties despite personal estrangement.