WEDDING THAT ALMOST WASN’T

EVEN before they wed, it was clear the marriage would be a turbulent one.

During their engagement, Heather accompanied McCartney on a U.S. tour. One of his concerts was in Florida, where the couple checked into Miami’s Turnberry Isle hotel.

A security guard patrolling the gardens below their suite later claimed to have heard a fierce argument in which Paul shouted: ‘I don’t want to marry you! The wedding’s off! We’ll cancel it!’ He then appeared on the balcony and threw Heather’s engagement ring over the rail.

After a lengthy search of the garden by staff on all fours — in pouring rain — the ring was found under a bush. Paul, by then back in Britain, bought a first-class air ticket for the hotel manager to deliver it, and sent £1,500 to the finder.

Little credence was given to Heather’s claim that they had merely been ‘playing catch’ with the ring.