Father of Britain’s Largest Family Addresses Controversy Over Starting Family at Young Ages in New Book

Noel Radford, the patriarch of the UK’s largest family, has spoken out in defense of the circumstances under which he and his wife Sue started their family, which now includes 22 children. The Radfords, who gained fame through their reality TV show “22 Kids & Counting,” have been married for over 30 years and have opened their home, formerly a care home, to the public eye.

The couple’s journey began under scrutiny when it was revealed that Sue was just 13 and Noel was 17 at the time of their first child’s conception. This aspect of their lives has been a topic of discussion and criticism, especially during their appearances on reality TV.

In their new book “The Radfords: Making Life Count,” released on February 29, Noel addresses the public’s focus on their young start. He emphasizes that they were both young and acknowledges the simplicity with which people judge their situation without considering the nuances. Noel points out that the age difference between him and Sue wasn’t significant and that their youth was a factor in their decision-making.

Despite the potential legal implications of their young ages at the time of their first child’s birth, Noel notes that there were no legal repercussions, attributing this to the discretion of their families and possibly their doctor. The book also sheds light on the couple’s background, revealing that both Noel and Sue were adopted, which influenced their decision to raise their first child together, leading to their large family today.