Rebekah Brooks is one of the most recognisable figures in British media. As chief executive of News UK, she oversees four major national newspapers. Her career has been shaped by rapid promotion, a dramatic phone‑hacking trial, and a return to the top of Rupert Murdoch’s empire. More than a decade after her acquittal, she remains in the public eye – and in the headlines.
Brooks first became a household name as the youngest editor of the News of the World and later the first female editor of The Sun. The phone‑hacking scandal that forced her out in 2011 could have ended her career. Instead, after being found not guilty of all charges, she was reappointed CEO of News UK in 2015. Today she continues to lead the company from London.
Interest in Brooks has not faded. Questions about her net worth, her marriages, and her connection to Prince Harry regularly surface. This article brings together verified facts to answer those questions clearly.
Where Is Rebekah Brooks Now?
Rebekah Brooks remains in London, working as chief executive of News UK, a role she has held since 2015. As of mid‑2026, there are no public reports of her moving, retiring, or being involved in new controversies. She oversees the daily operations of The Sun, The Times, The Sunday Times, and The Sun on Sunday.
| Current Role | CEO of News UK (since 2015) |
| Legal Status | Found not guilty of phone hacking (2014) |
| Estimated Net Worth | £10–15 million (2025 estimate) |
| Spouse | Charlie Brooks (married 2009) |
Key Insights
- Rebekah Brooks remains a powerful figure in UK media despite the phone hacking scandal that nearly derailed her career.
- Her relationship with Prince Harry stems from the latter’s lawsuit against News Group Newspapers over alleged phone hacking.
- Brooks’ net worth is largely derived from her long tenure at News Corp and her role as CEO of News UK.
- She began her career in the 1990s as a junior reporter at the News of the World, rising rapidly through the ranks.
- Her marriage to racehorse trainer Charlie Brooks is her second; she was previously married to actor Ross Kemp.
Snapshot Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rebekah Mary Brooks |
| Born | 27 May 1968 (age 57) |
| Education | Loughborough University (French) |
| Known For | Editor of The Sun, CEO of News UK, phone hacking trial |
| Spouse | Charlie Brooks (m. 2009), previously Ross Kemp (m. 2007–2009) |
| Net Worth | Estimated £10–15 million (2025) |
| Current Position | Chief Executive Officer, News UK (since 2015) |
What Is Rebekah Brooks’ Net Worth?
No official figure for Rebekah Brooks’ net worth is publicly available for 2025. Credible financial reports or public records do not disclose her exact compensation. As CEO of News UK, a division of News Corp, she likely commands a high executive salary and stock compensation, but the precise amounts are not known.
Estimates from various sources place her net worth in the range of £10–15 million. These figures are not confirmed by Brooks, News Corp, or any official financial filing. The lack of disclosure means any number should be treated as a rough approximation.
Who Is Rebekah Brooks Married To?
Rebekah Brooks is married to Charlie Brooks, a former racehorse trainer and author. The couple wed in 2009 and have one daughter, born in 2012. This is her second marriage.
Was Rebekah Brooks Ever Married to Ross Kemp?
Yes. She was married to actor Ross Kemp, best known for his role in EastEnders, from 2002 to 2009. The divorce was finalised on grounds of Kemp’s admitted infidelity. In November 2005, Brooks was arrested for allegedly assaulting Kemp, but no charges were brought. Kemp has not publicly commented on her acquittal or current role.
What Is the Connection Between Rebekah Brooks and Prince Harry?
Prince Harry was a victim of phone hacking by the News of the World during Brooks’ editorship. However, he has not filed a lawsuit directly against Brooks. His legal actions have been against News Group Newspapers and individual journalists, not her personally. The case remains ongoing as of 2025.
What Is Rebekah Brooks’ Jewelry Collection?
No specific public information exists about her jewellery collection. This query may stem from celebrity curiosity or tabloid speculation. There are no verified records or interviews detailing any notable collection.
Brooks’ first marriage to Ross Kemp ended in 2009. She married Charlie Brooks later that same year. The couple have one child. Her former husband, Kemp, has remained silent about her legal and professional life since the divorce.
How Did Rebekah Brooks Start Her Career in the 1990s?
Brooks began her career in journalism in 1989 as a researcher at the News of the World magazine. She joined the newspaper itself as a reporter in 1992. Her rise was swift: by 2000 she was appointed editor of the News of the World, becoming the youngest editor of a British national newspaper at the time.
What Was Rebekah Brooks Like as a Young Editor?
Brooks was described as ambitious and hands‑on. She took over the News of the World at age 32 and later became the first female editor of The Sun in 2003. During her tenure, she was known for driving circulation and for the paper’s aggressive news coverage.
Some accounts of her early career rely on unnamed sources or retrospective interviews. The exact nature of her day‑to‑day role in the 1990s is not independently documented in detail. What is confirmed is her rapid trajectory from researcher to editor.
What Was Rebekah Brooks’ Role in the Phone Hacking Scandal?
Brooks was editor of the News of the World when journalists allegedly hacked the phone of Milford Stanley, a 13‑year‑old murder victim, to find material for stories. The scandal led to the closure of the newspaper in 2011. Brooks resigned as CEO of News International that same year and was arrested two days later.
In May 2012, she, her husband Charlie, and four others were the first people charged in Scotland Yard’s investigation. The trial took place at the Old Bailey, and in June 2014 a jury found her not guilty of all charges: conspiracy to hack voicemails, two counts of conspiracy to pay public officials, and two counts of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Outside court, Brooks said: “I am innocent of the crimes that I was charged with and I feel vindicated by the unanimous verdicts.”
Key Milestones in Rebekah Brooks’ Career
- 1992 – Joined News of the World as a reporter
- 2000 – Appointed editor of the News of the World
- 2003 – Became editor of The Sun
- 2009 – Appointed chief executive of News International (later News UK)
- 2011 – Resigned amid phone hacking scandal; arrested
- 2014 – Found not guilty of all charges at trial
- 2015 – Reappointed CEO of News UK
- 2023 – Prince Harry’s lawsuit against News Group Newspapers mentions Brooks
- 2025 – Continues as CEO; involved in Australian newspaper restructure
What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About Rebekah Brooks?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Brooks was acquitted of all charges related to phone hacking in 2014. | Her exact net worth is not publicly confirmed; estimates vary. |
| She is currently CEO of News UK, a position she has held since 2015. | The outcome of Prince Harry’s civil case against News Group Newspapers is still pending as of 2025. |
| She is married to Charlie Brooks; she was previously married to Ross Kemp. | Details of her jewellery collection are not publicly documented. |
| She began her career at the News of the World in the 1990s. | Her plans for
Additional sources
Related stories Diane ForbesStaff Writer Diane Forbes leads fact-checking, source verification and corrections at Civic Affairs. |
