Katie Price has fiercely defended her whirlwind marriage to Lee Andrews, insisting she is “happy” and capable of making her own decisions despite growing criticism surrounding their lightning-fast romance.
The former glamour model, 47, appeared on Good Morning Britain on Monday morning for a candid interview with hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls, where she addressed the controversy surrounding her new husband and their sudden wedding in Dubai.
Katie tied the knot with businessman Lee Andrews at the luxury One&Only Royal Mirage hotel in January after what many described as an astonishingly quick relationship. The speed of the romance left fans worried and reportedly even “traumatised” members of her own family, including her mother Amy Price.
During the interview, Susanna Reid admitted she would feel uneasy if a friend told her they had married someone so quickly. She told Katie that she would be concerned about her wellbeing and questioned whether she had truly had enough time to get to know the man she had just married.
But Katie quickly pushed back.
She replied that no one can ever truly know another person, saying: Do you ever really know anyone? If you look at my past marriages, did I ever know they would turn out the way they did? Sometimes I don’t think you can ever really know who anyone is.
Reflecting on her past relationships, the reality star explained that she has experienced a number of toxic partnerships and now feels wiser about spotting warning signs.
She said she had been through controlling and abusive relationships in the past, adding that she now understands the red flags and is old enough to trust her own judgement.
Katie insisted there is no rule about how long someone must wait before committing to a partner.
Now I know the signs of red flags and I’m older. I can make my own decisions and there’s nothing to say you have to wait for anything, she said.
The TV personality also claimed that her relationship with Lee feels completely different from those she has experienced before.
It just feels so right. I’ve only really been in love twice before that, with Dane Bowers and Peter. With Lee it’s so different to every other relationship, and it works for me.
One revelation that raised eyebrows during the interview was Katie’s admission that Lee has not yet met her children or her family in person.
She explained that they have only interacted with him through video calls so far.
They have all seen him on FaceTime, she said, adding that she wants to take her time before formally introducing him to the children because she still wants to get to know him more herself.
Katie also explained that their long-distance arrangement works for her lifestyle. Lee currently lives in Dubai, meaning she can focus on her children when they are with her and see him when she has time away.
When I’ve got the kids, I’ve got the kids. When I haven’t, then I can see him. It works really well for me, she said.
Addressing the wave of criticism surrounding their marriage, Katie said she finds the reaction unfair and disrespectful.
I find it so disrespectful that I’ve chosen a man I want to be with and people have all these views. I know what I know about Lee and people shouldn’t underestimate me.
She added that speculation about her personal life is nothing new.
I’m used to people saying things about me, but I know what I know. I’m happy and people should just give us a chance.
The interview came amid a series of troubling reports about Lee Andrews’ past.
A US-based businesswoman recently claimed she received desperate voice notes from Lee asking for money shortly before he proposed to Katie. According to the woman, Lee asked for sums between £1,100 and £2,500, claiming he was struggling financially.
In one alleged recording, he reportedly said he desperately needed help and had been trying to survive during difficult months.
Lee has denied previous accusations made against him.
Further controversy has surrounded the couple after reports that the Dubai hotel where they married has yet to receive payment for their stay, which reportedly ran into thousands of pounds.
Sources claim the bill remains outstanding more than six weeks after the ceremony, though Lee has insisted the costs were paid and said he would provide proof.
Meanwhile, Katie’s whirlwind marriage has reportedly shocked members of her own family.
Her sister Sophie revealed on The Katie Price Show podcast that the situation had caused serious tension within the family, even leaving their mother in tears.
Katie’s children Junior and Princess Andre also discovered the news through a family group chat, with Princess admitting she was stunned by the sudden engagement.
Despite the criticism and ongoing questions about Lee’s past, Katie remains defiant and insists she is simply following her heart.
I am so happy, she said. Let people give us a chance.
