Radosław Sikorski, a prominent Polish politician, journalist, and statesman, has navigated a distinguished public career alongside a notable romantic history. His relationships, spanning decades, reflect both personal connections and the broader public spotlight that comes with his high-profile roles. From an early, formative love with a future Hollywood actress to a long-standing marriage with a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Sikorski's romantic journey has been marked by significant partnerships.
His first publicly acknowledged significant relationship was with British actress Olivia Williams. They met in the 1980s while Sikorski was studying at Pembroke College, Oxford University. Williams, then a young aspiring actress, and Sikorski, an ambitious student, shared a deep connection.
Their relationship lasted for approximately four years, during which time they were deeply in love. Williams has publicly referred to Sikorski as her "first great love." She was reportedly impressed by his chivalrous manners, noting that he was the first man she met who would "click his heels and gallantly bow his head" when greeting a woman. Sikorski even introduced Williams to his family in Poland, and they visited his ancestral home, a ruined manor in Chobielin, which he later restored.
However, their paths diverged as their careers began to take off. Williams pursued her acting career, which would eventually lead her to roles in major films like "The Sixth Sense" and "The Ghost Writer," and later in series like "The Crown." Sikorski, on the other hand, felt a strong pull towards political and journalistic engagement in a rapidly changing Poland, especially with the fall of communism. The couple decided to part ways around 1989, recognizing that their professional ambitions were leading them in different directions. Despite the breakup, they reportedly maintained a warm relationship.
Soon after, in the early 1990s, Radosław Sikorski met Anne Applebaum, an American journalist and historian. Their connection was forged amidst the historic changes sweeping through Central and Eastern Europe. They first encountered each other in Warsaw, where Applebaum was working as a correspondent. A memorable early interaction involved Sikorski expertly changing a flat tire on his car, an act that reportedly impressed Applebaum. They also shared a significant moment driving together to Berlin in November 1989 to witness the fall of the Berlin Wall, an event that deepened their bond.
Radosław Sikorski and Anne Applebaum were married in 1992. Their wedding took place in Washington, D.C., at the Applebaum family home. Their marriage has been a cornerstone of both their lives, enduring for over 32 years and counting. They have two sons, Aleksander and Tadeusz, who have grown up largely in Poland, where the family resides in the restored manor in Chobielin.
Anne Applebaum is a highly respected and influential figure in her own right, known for her extensive work on the history of communism and her commentary on contemporary political issues. She is a Pulitzer Prize winner for her book "Gulag: A History" and a staff writer for The Atlantic. Her intellectual contributions and public profile have made them a prominent power couple in both Polish and international circles.
Their marriage has been a partnership of shared intellectual interests and public service. While they maintain distinct professional identities, they frequently support each other's work and public engagements. Applebaum gained Polish citizenship in 2013, further cementing her ties to Sikorski's homeland.
Despite their public lives, they have generally maintained a degree of privacy regarding their personal relationship, though aspects of their life together, such as their home in Chobielin, have become publicly known. Their long-lasting union is often cited as a testament to their mutual respect and shared values. Recent public discussions have occasionally touched upon Applebaum's views, particularly in the context of Sikorski's political aspirations, but both have consistently emphasized their individual autonomy and professional independence.
As of late 2024, Radosław Sikorski and Anne Applebaum remain married, continuing their long and impactful partnership. Their journey together reflects a blend of personal commitment and shared intellectual and political engagement, making them one of the most enduring and influential couples in contemporary public life.