Ben Roberts-Smith, one of Australia’s most high-profile and controversial military figures, has often made headlines not only for his military career and legal battles but also for his personal life. A key part of that story involves his wife—more accurately, his former wife, as the couple is no longer together.
This article provides a clear, updated, and factual look at Ben Roberts-Smith’s wife, their relationship, separation, and where things stand today in 2026.
Who Was Ben Roberts-Smith’s Wife?
Ben Roberts-Smith was married to Emma Groom, who is widely known as his former wife. The couple first met in 1998 at an army event in Sydney, long before Roberts-Smith became a nationally recognized figure.
Emma came from a military background, which created a shared connection between the two. Their relationship developed over several years, and they eventually married on December 6, 2003, in Western Australia.
For many years, they were seen as a stable military family, especially during Roberts-Smith’s active service.
Family Life and Children
During their marriage, Ben Roberts-Smith and Emma Groom built a family together. The couple welcomed twin daughters in 2010, which became a central part of their life.
After Roberts-Smith retired from the Australian Army in 2015, the family relocated to Queensland, where they attempted to settle into civilian life.
At that time, the public image of the family remained largely positive, with little indication of the issues that would later emerge.
The Breakdown of Their Marriage
The turning point in their relationship came in 2018, when Emma Groom discovered that her husband had been involved in an extramarital affair.
This revelation significantly impacted their marriage and marked the beginning of a highly public and complex separation. Reports later revealed that the situation became emotionally intense, with disputes and allegations surfacing during legal proceedings.
Court testimony suggested that the breakdown of the marriage involved deep personal conflict, including disagreements over public statements and the handling of the affair.
Separation and Divorce
Although there were differing accounts about the exact timeline, it is widely accepted that the couple separated between 2017 and early 2020, with their divorce officially finalized in December 2020.
The separation was not a quiet one. It unfolded publicly due to ongoing legal disputes and media attention, especially as Roberts-Smith became involved in high-profile defamation cases.
Legal Battles Involving His Former Wife
Emma Groom became a significant figure in Roberts-Smith’s legal challenges. She provided evidence in court during his defamation trial, which brought details of their marriage into the public domain.
The legal disputes between them extended beyond the divorce itself. At one point, Roberts-Smith pursued legal action against his former wife over allegations related to access to confidential information.
In January 2022, a court ordered him to pay her legal costs after an unsuccessful attempt to sue her, further highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two.
Public Nature of Their Split
Unlike many private separations, the end of their marriage became highly public due to overlapping legal cases and media coverage.
Court hearings revealed personal messages, disputes, and emotional exchanges, painting a picture of a deeply strained relationship. Emma Groom also denied claims that she was acting out of revenge, emphasizing that her actions were tied to legal obligations rather than personal motives.
This level of exposure made their separation one of the most talked-about aspects of Roberts-Smith’s personal life.
Ben Roberts-Smith’s Relationship Status in 2026
As of 2026, Ben Roberts-Smith is not married. His marriage to Emma Groom ended in 2020, and there is no confirmed information that he has remarried.
He has been linked in the past to a woman referred to in court as “Person 17,” but this relationship was part of the controversy surrounding his marriage breakdown and subsequent legal cases rather than a formal partnership.
Recent Developments and Ongoing Attention
Interest in Roberts-Smith’s personal life has remained high, especially due to recent legal developments. In April 2026, he was arrested and charged with multiple alleged war crimes, bringing renewed global attention to his life and past relationships.
As a result, details about his family and former marriage continue to resurface in media discussions.
To clearly answer the question about Ben Roberts-Smith’s wife:
- His former wife is Emma Groom
- They married in 2003 and have twin daughters
- Their marriage broke down after an affair was discovered in 2018
- The divorce was finalized in December 2020
- As of 2026, he is not currently married
Ben Roberts-Smith’s relationship with his wife, Emma Groom, was once a central part of his personal life but eventually became intertwined with controversy, legal battles, and public scrutiny.
Today, their marriage is part of a past chapter, though its impact continues to shape the narrative surrounding him. Understanding this relationship offers deeper insight into the broader story of one of Australia’s most discussed public figures.