Mother-in-law’s angry email for bride-to-be now internet sensation

Carolyn Bourne wrote to Heidi Withers, 29, before the impending marriage to Freddie Bourne, in a private email, criticising her manners and saying it was a “pity” her stepson had fallen in love with her.

The London personal assistant was so angry at the email she received after visiting her future in-laws in April that she forwarded it to friends, who then emailed it on until it went “viral”.

Mrs Bourne, from Dawlish in South Devon, is said to have written: “It is high time someone explained to you about good manners. Yours are obvious by their absence and I feel sorry for you.”

She goes on to list perceived faults in her daughter-in-law, including that she lay in bed for too long in the morning, was too picky about food, and wanted a lavish wedding when her parents were making less of a financial contribution than she and Freddie’s father, Edward, were making.

She also suggested Miss Withers would be ideal for the ITV’s Ladette To Lady, in which female yobs are taught how to behave.

“Unfortunately for Freddie, he has fallen in love with you and, Freddie being Freddie, I gather it is not easy to reason with him or yet encourage him to consider how he might be able to help you,” the purported email continued.

“It may just be possible to get through to you though. I do hope so. Your behaviour on your visit to Devon during April was staggering in its uncouthness and lack of grace.”

She ended by saying: “I pity Freddie.”

None of those involved would comment. Mr Bourne, 29, who lives with his fiancee in west London, would not comment on whether the wedding was still on.