Raphael Rowe was wrongfully convicted of murder and jailed for 12 years. Upon release, he then joined Netflix’s Inside The World’s Toughest Prisons — exposing the daily challenges of prison life and larger issues of human rights on an international scale — whilst also making up for those lost years with his family.
So, who is his family? Get details on his father, mother, and ethnic background as you scroll down.
Meet Raphael Rowe Family
Raphael Rowe’s family — his father Raphael, his mother Rosemary, and siblings — were all there during the turmoil. They stayed with him during the court sessions, campaigned outside handing out leaflets and spreading the word during his imprisonment, and were there to greet him as he was released.
Partially, Raphael’s parents believe they were at fault for their son’s fate. Not being able to afford things Raphael wanted as a child, they pushed him to look for other ways to get them. So, in the process, Raphael got arrested at age 17 for burglary and spent 10 months in a Young Offenders Institute, surrounded by boys of a similar mindset.
Once released, Raphael then would go back to his family only to leave home with a friend to stay at his bedsit. And this was his nightmare began! Whilst living in that bedsit, one night a group of people in balaclavas, holding guns, stormed in, arrested him and charged him with murder and robbery, and remanded him to Brixton Prison.
Eventually, Raphael was convicted of murder and robbery, and sentenced to life imprisonment. In prison, he then started a journalism course and spent his days analyzing the case papers and making notes.
Finally, in 1993, Raphael appealed his conviction at the Court of Appeal, and after being approved, he made an application to the European Court of Human Rights.
In 1997, the same year the Criminal Cases Review Commission was established Raphael’s case was referred to the Court of Appeal. 3 years later, the ECHR finally returned their judgment and released Raphael.
Who Is Raphael Rowe Father?
Raphael Rowe was born to his Jamaican father Raphael Rowe Sr. He came to the UK by boat in 1962. And for this, Raphael Jr called himself the product of Windrush.
Well, for those who don’t know, The Windrush Generation includes the people who emigrated from the Caribbean to Britain between the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush on 22 June 1948 and the Immigration Act 1971, including the passengers on the first ship.
“I feel quite proud to know that it’s made a significant impact on this country’s history.” Raphael shared his view on Windrush.
If he were alive, Raphael Sr. would be 86 years of age in 2022.
Who Is Raphael Rowe Mother?
Raphael Rowe’s mother Rosemary Prior is British. She was born and raised in London and married Raphael’s father when she was only 17.
According to Raphael, her mother had the kindest heart. Even when he said a lot of things that he regret saying to her, she was forgiving. After all, a mother’s love is unconditional.
Talking more about being the family heartache, Raphael shared, “there are many things that I regret saying to my family when I was in prison out of frustration.” A frustration born out of segregation, being beaten by prison guards, and witnessing incidents between prisoners and prisoners and prisoners and guards.
If she were alive, Rosemary would be 77 years of age in 2022.
How Many Siblings Does Raphael Rowe Have?
Raphael has three siblings named Belinda, Hazel, and Joanna, all sisters.
The oldest is Belinda. Then follows Hazel and Joanna. And the youngest is the Inside The World’s Toughest Prisons host Raphael.
His sister, Joanna was even pictured out outside London’s Royal Courts of Justice during the hearing.
Is Raphael Rowe Married?
Yes, Raphae is married (as of 2022). However, he only revealed he has a wife and kids in 2021 through a book titled “Notorious: Life with No Parole for a Crime I Did Not Commit”.
The book is 250 pages long. But unlike what u think, Raphae didn’t go through his box here of diaries of the 12 years (while in prison) to write this book. Rather, the book tells his story from his new perspective after being released.
“I’ve never talked about my wife and children anywhere, at any point. So in my book, it’s the first time that I revealed that I’m even married,” Raphae shared.
But sadly, though Raphae’s now reconnected with his family, he still has an estranged relationship with his oldest child who was born in 2000. However, he was able to explain his imprisonment to his youngest son and daughter.
Prior to marrying his wife and being jailed, Raphae was in a relationship with his baby mother Nancy Stanley.
Did you know: Raphael’s oldest kid has Down syndrome.
Related FAQs
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What Is Raphael Rowe Family Ethnic Background?
Raphael Rowe comes from a family of mixed ethnicity. His dad is Jamaican and his mother’s British Mother,
But growing up, Raphael’s mixed ethnicity was nothing unusual in South-East London. There, many ethnicities lived next door to one another, and a low-income, working-class background was the norm.
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Where Does Raphael Rowe Family Reside Today?
As of 2022, Raphael and his family resided in his hometown London, United Kingdom.
Here’s Raphael’s IG @raphaelrowe.
