Ringo Starr’s only daughter, **Lee Starkey**, recently opened up about her parents’ early romance—casting fresh light on the date they officially tied the knot. Born November 11, 1970, to Ringo and his first wife Maureen Cox, Lee has shared intimate details about the couple’s timeline that Beatles fans have long been curious about .
According to Lee, her parents first crossed paths in 1962. Ringo was just beginning his storied journey with The Beatles, and Maureen was immersed in London’s vibrant scene. The couple became engaged on **January 20, 1965**, when Maureen was 18—news that would soon be followed by wedding bells to accommodate her pregnancy .
The registrar’s office ceremony took place shortly afterward: **they were officially married on February 11, 1965**, in London’s Caxton Hall Register Office, with Beatles manager Brian Epstein standing in as best man. Witnesses included Ringo’s stepfather Harry Graves and, notably, George Harrison .
Lee has recounted that this civil ceremony was followed by a three-day honeymoon. While light on public ceremony details, she emphasized the significance of that intimate legal bond amid the whirlwind of Beatlemania .
For decades, Beatles lore has focused on the grandeur of Ringo’s 1981 marriage to actress Barbara Bach—complete with celebrity guests (Paul McCartney and George Harrison included), 70 attendees, and public fanfare
. In contrast, the earlier union between Ringo and Maureen remained shrouded in mystery. Now, Lee’s revelations confirm exactly when and how their journey began.
Lee’s reflections not only fill in historical blanks but also underscore the human moments behind the legend. She’s shared that the early years were marked by intense personal struggle for Maureen—within and beyond their marriage. Nevertheless, Lee’s heartfelt recollection makes it clear that **February 11, 1965** stands as a pivotal date in her family’s history—a private milestone now finally grounded in public record.
