Maddison May Brudenell might come from one of Britain’s most prominent aristocratic bloodlines — she’s the great-granddaughter of Lord Mountbatten, no less — but these days, her life is a blend of heritage, hustle, and hands-on parenting.
And yes, even her family can’t help but tune in to Netflix’s The Crown, despite its dramatic liberties.
Yes, the Family Watches The Crown — But With a Grain of Salt
While the British royal family officially avoids watching The Crown, Maddison confirms that her household isn’t quite as strict.
Speaking at Tilly Wood’s Aja Botanicals event in Notting Hill, the 31-year-old revealed, “We’ve watched a little bit, but my grandmother, Lady Pamela Hicks, thinks it’s very dramatized.”
Instead of relying on the show for insight, Maddison prefers real stories passed down directly from her grandmother.
Though surreal to watch events resembling her family’s life play out on screen, Maddison says the show has made her reflect deeply on the weight of her family legacy.
“It’s always made me want to take my place in the world seriously,” she shared.
“I don’t take the privilege for granted — a lot of people don’t get the opportunities I have.”
A Blended Family and a New Beginning
Last August, Maddison welcomed her fourth child, Michael Adam, after remarrying Canadian welder Bret Kapetanov.
Her new chapter came after a split from her first husband, DJ Olaoluwa Modupe-Ojo (aka Jazz Purple), with whom she shares three children.
Meeting Bret while visiting Ontario, their connection blossomed quickly.
Within months, Bret relocated to the UK and proposed by June 2023.
Maddison spoke glowingly about her new husband, saying, “He had such a different upbringing, working on a farm and helping out before and after school.
He’s a real gentleman and has shown nothing but respect to my grandmother.
She’s proud to call him her grandson-in-law.”
A Dramatic Home Birth That Took a Turn
Maddison’s fourth baby didn’t arrive quietly. After a marathon 40-hour labour at home, things took a scary turn.
“I lifted him out of the water and held him to my chest — then I heard a snap.
It was very alarming,” she recalled in an interview with Hello!.
Michael turned pale, and the midwives quickly jumped in.
Paramedics rushed mother and baby to the hospital. While she didn’t specify the medical cause, such a situation could stem from a complication involving the umbilical cord, such as vasa previa or prolapse.
Thankfully, both Maddison and baby Michael made a full recovery.
Reflecting on it later, she posted on Instagram, “I thought my fourth baby would be my easiest. This labour really surprised me.”
Honoring a Family Hero Through Her Son’s Name
Maddison chose the name Michael in honor of her late grandfather, Michael Brudenell, a royal obstetrician who delivered all of Queen Elizabeth II’s children.
He passed away in March 2015, just shy of 90 years old.
That connection isn’t lost on Maddison, who finds it meaningful to pass down his name to the next generation.
Royal Bloodlines and Famous Family Members
Though her lineage connects her directly to King Charles — her great-grandfather, Lord Mountbatten, was his beloved uncle — Maddison admits they don’t see much of each other.
“He’s a very busy man, but my brother is his godson,” she shared.
Maddison’s grandmother, Lady Pamela Hicks, remains one of the Queen’s two surviving bridesmaids and once served as a lady-in-waiting.
Maddison even attended Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in 2022 and fondly recalls childhood moments with the Queen Mother, including standing beside her on the Buckingham Palace balcony during Trooping the Colour.
“She turned to me and said, ‘There are a lot of horses, aren’t there?’ I was gobsmacked!”
From Runway to Recovery: Her Battle With the Fashion Industry
Before settling into family life, Maddison had a high-profile modeling career.
Signed by Storm at just 16, she worked for major brands like Ralph Lauren and Belstaff.
But behind the glamour was a darker side. “I was depressed, anxious, and felt constant pressure to stay thin and party,” she admitted.
“I struggled with addiction and an eating disorder.”
Now, she’s taken a different path — one that prioritizes health and emotional wellbeing.
As a wellness advocate, Maddison says those experiences have shaped how she approaches both her family and her platform.
A Whirlwind Romance That Surprised Everyone
Maddison’s first marriage came as a shock to many around her.
She fell in love with musician Modupe-Ojo after admiring his work and attending his concerts.
“It wasn’t until a year later that we actually got together,” she said.
They eloped in a quiet family wedding, later raising their children with pride in their dual heritage.
Embracing Her Role in History — While Writing Her Own Story
Despite her royal ancestry, Maddison is grounded in the present.
She speaks with respect about her lineage but knows it comes with a responsibility.
“There are a lot of amazing people in the world who don’t get the platform I have. I want to use mine to make a difference.”
With four children, a new marriage, and a clear-eyed view of her place in both history and modern life, Maddison May Brudenell is navigating legacy and motherhood on her own terms — Netflix dramatizations or not.