Model Hurley marries in secret ceremony

LONDON, Mar 3 (Reuters) Model and actress Elizabeth Hurley has secretly married Indian businessman Arun Nayar and the couple were preparing to host a lavish wedding party today at an English castle.

Hurley, 41, and Nayar, 42, married yesterday in a civil ceremony in western England at Sudeley Castle, where celebrity guests were gathering for the party tomorrow, a local government spokeswoman said.

''We can confirm a marriage took place in a private ceremony,'' a Gloucestershire county council spokeswoman told Reuters.

Reverend John Partington told the Daily Mirror newspaper he would bless the couple later today at Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire, describing his blessing as ''a celebration of their wedding.'' It said county superintendent registrar Anne Williams conducted the civil ceremony at the castle together with another registrar in front of two witnesses.

Situated in the picturesque Cotswolds, the castle is owned by the family of Henry Dent-Brocklehurst, who is a close friend of Hurley.

Patsy Kensit, singer Sir Elton John, fashion designer Donatella Versace as well as Hurley's former lover, British actor Hugh Grant, were expected to attend the party.

Hurley's 13-year relationship with Hollywood star Grant ended in 2000 after his well-publicised encounter with a prostitute.

Two years later, she had a son with US film producer Steve Bing. She met Nayar, who has celebrity status himself, shortly after her child was born.

The Daily Mirror said the couple will travel to Rajasthan tomorrow for a traditional Indian-style wedding.

REUTERS SY MIR KP2044