The Difficult Conversation That Changed Everything

Earlier this year, Monty opened up about one of the lowest points of his life during an appearance on The Rosebud Podcast with Gyles Brandreth.

After the collapse of the jewellery business he and Sarah had built together, financial devastation pushed him into a severe depression.

The business, which had created costume jewellery worn by high-profile figures including Princess Diana, was hit hard by the 1987 stock market crash. As American sales disappeared almost overnight, the family lost nearly everything, forcing them to sell their properties while Monty found himself claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance.

The emotional toll became overwhelming.

Looking back, Monty admitted he became angry, withdrawn and incredibly difficult to live with.

Eventually, Sarah reached a breaking point.

She lovingly but firmly told him that unless he sought help, she would have no choice but to leave with their three children because life at home had become impossible.

Rather than abandoning him, she made it clear she still loved him—but knew something had to change.

Monty later admitted that the thought of losing his family finally convinced him to see a doctor.

The Moment He Began to Heal

Although he initially visited the doctor complaining about knee pain, the conversation soon turned to his mental health.

He was prescribed Prozac, a decision he says transformed his life.

Around ten days later, while washing dishes at home, he experienced a simple but unforgettable moment.

For the first time in months, he noticed sunlight shining through the leaves outside his kitchen window and realised he no longer felt consumed by sadness.

He described it as feeling like he was on holiday in a peaceful seaside town where the sun was always shining.

Monty remained on the medication for several years before gradually coming off it under medical supervision, and says he has never needed to return to antidepressants.

How Success Helped Restore His Confidence

Monty also reflected on another unexpected turning point in his recovery.

Nearly two decades ago, the BBC offered him the travel series Around the World in 80 Gardens, giving him an opportunity to explore gardens across the globe.

The experience reignited his passion for work and introduced him to audiences worldwide.

Sarah later observed that public recognition had a surprisingly positive effect on him, famously telling him: “Fame really suits you.”

Monty admitted she may have been right, explaining that performing in front of appreciative audiences gave him a renewed sense of purpose and confidence.

A Childhood Battle He Rarely Discusses

During the same interview, Monty also revealed another extraordinary chapter of his life.

At just 10 years old, a painful fall while playing football led doctors to discover a bone marrow tumour in his arm.

He underwent surgery to remove the affected bone and received radiotherapy for a year.

Thankfully, doctors discovered the cancer before it had spread.

Despite the frightening diagnosis, Monty remembers one unexpected comfort from that difficult period: the extra time he spent alone with his mother during hospital visits—moments he still treasures today.

Partners in Every Sense

Monty has never hidden how much Sarah means to him.

In previous interviews, he has described her as his “partner in crime” and insists that every major decision about their famous garden is made together.

The couple even have one simple rule: each of them has the power to veto any major decision until they both genuinely agree.

It is a philosophy that has shaped not only their celebrated garden, but also a marriage that has now flourished for 43 remarkable years.

As fans flooded Monty’s anniversary post with congratulations, many saw it as more than a celebration of time—it was a tribute to resilience, partnership and the quiet strength that carried them through life’s greatest challenges together.