Charlie Hunnam, best known for his roles in “Sons of Anarchy” and “King Arthur,” has opened up about his long-standing relationship with jewelry designer Morgana McNelis, describing their bond as a marriage in all but the official sense. For more than 15 years, the couple has maintained a deeply private connection, and Hunnam has expressed that, although not legally married, he sees McNelis as his partner in every meaningful way—a perspective that speaks volumes about the depth of the Charlie Hunnam relationship with Morgana McNelis.
Morgana McNelis and Charlie Hunnam have chosen a path outside the glare of Hollywood, finding happiness in simplicity and togetherness. Their commitment to each other, despite not formalizing it with a wedding, has sparked curiosity about how they navigate love and life away from constant media attention.
How Hunnam Defines His Commitment to McNelis
Although Hunnam and McNelis have been together for over a decade and a half, they have not held a formal wedding. Hunnam has candidly discussed his personal views, revealing in a 2020 Sirius XM interview,
“She does not feel the same. She’s very eager. I’ll do it because it’s important to her, but I don’t have any great romantic feelings towards it.”
—Charlie Hunnam, actor.
He later elaborated further, saying,
“I’m, like, so romantic, and the reality is I sort of consider myself married. I’ve been with my girlfriend for 14 years. The official government sanction of it doesn’t mean anything to me, but the romance of it means an enormous amount.”
—Charlie Hunnam, actor. This perspective emphasizes Hunnam’s passion and emotional attachment to McNelis, suggesting that the symbolism of marriage holds more weight for him than any legal status. Their relationship, which is rooted in deep affection and respect, appears unaffected by the lack of a marriage certificate.
Morgana McNelis: Designer and Humanitarian
Behind the scenes, Morgana McNelis is known for her successful jewelry brand, Maison de Morgana, which has attracted celebrity fans including Zac Efron and Troian Bellisario. She leads what she describes as a simple existence and creates custom jewelry pieces for Hunnam. Speaking to ELLE, Hunnam shared about her craft,
“I love it. It’s so discrete and beautiful.”
—Charlie Hunnam, actor.
Beyond her creative career, McNelis dedicates herself to humanitarian work, partnering with organizations like Naretoi to assist Maasai women in Kenya through educational programs and jewelry initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she extended her support further by helping to coordinate food donations for Maasai families, reinforcing her commitment to making a difference worldwide.
Privacy and Simple Living Outside Hollywood
One of the strengths of the Charlie Hunnam relationship with Morgana McNelis is their shared emphasis on living privately. In 2013, the pair purchased a ranch in California to escape the bustle of Hollywood. Hunnam once explained their new lifestyle,
“My girlfriend and I just bought a ranch, so we are getting out of Hollywood completely,”
—Charlie Hunnam, actor, to 7 Nights Magazine, via People. He continued,
“We’ve got 30 chickens and a couple of donkeys, a couple of ducks, and we’ve got a big, organic garden. We are going to try to live a bit more sustainably.”
—Charlie Hunnam, actor.
McNelis supports Hunnam’s professional endeavors from behind the scenes. When he was cast as Christian Grey in “Fifty Shades of Grey,” the couple made the decision together, with McNelis enthusiastically supporting his opportunity. Hunnam has recognized the unique challenges that come with being in a relationship with an actor, stating,
“It’s very hard to be with an actor,”
—Charlie Hunnam, actor, to People —and further noting the sacrifices made when private moments become public due to career demands:
“She’s required to share parts of me that she wouldn’t really want to share. And with the certain nature of this role, it’s going to be times 10.”
—Charlie Hunnam, actor.
Mutual Appreciation and Support
Appreciation and support run both ways in their relationship. At the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival, Hunnam described a gesture of care for McNelis,
“Before I came away to TIFF, I ended up staying up until 5 in the morning because I decided that I was going to clean the entire house, do all the grocery shopping, and all of the laundry… I thought it would be nice for her to come home with everything immaculate and done.”
—Charlie Hunnam, actor.
Such actions reflect how the couple’s connection thrives on mutual understanding and thoughtful gestures. Despite the public attention surrounding Hunnam’s career—whether as King Arthur or a Hollywood heartthrob—their partnership has grown stronger by valuing privacy and prioritizing each other’s happiness.
The ongoing interest in the Charlie Hunnam relationship with Morgana McNelis highlights the couple’s ability to define their own sense of partnership and family, unbound by societal pressures. With their grounded approach and enduring support for one another, their relationship serves as an example of love built on respect, shared values, and a commitment that transcends official titles. As the pair continues to nurture their connection out of the spotlight, the nature of their bond may continue to inspire fans and spark conversation about what genuine partnership looks like in the world of Hollywood.
