James Packer is celebrating his 50th birthday in Argentina, with ‘a few friends’ and ‘some real regrets.’
After an up-and-down year, the casino operator has confirmed earlier reports his big 5-0 celebrations won’t be a star-studded affair.
Instead, he told The Age he’ll look to recoup with: ‘A few laughs, some real regrets, and lots to be grateful for.’
‘A quiet time’: James Packer has confirmed earlier reports his 50th birthday bash this weekend won’t be a star-studded affair
According to reports, the former media mogul currently has in the range of US$3.2 billion things to grateful for.
Unlike last year, one of them isn’t a relationship with pop megastar Mariah Carey, who presented him with a gold Cartier wedding band to mark his 49th.
Instead, James told the Sydney Morning Herald’s Private Sydney column: ‘I’m here at my place in Argentina with a few friends having a quiet time.’
‘Looking forward to the upcoming chapters.’
Up-and-down year: Instead, he told reporters he’ll look to recoup with: ‘A few laughs, some real regrets, and lots to be grateful for’
A LOT to be grateful for! In fact, the former media mogul currently has in the range of US$3.2 billion things to grateful for (pictured at Steadham ground in West Sussex in 2006)
The publication added: ‘The glitzy trappings we have long come to associate with James Packer, from his diva pop star girlfriends to his superyachts, will be absent.’
James turned 50 on Friday, and in keeping with past milestone birthdays the billionaire is marking his half-century away from the public glare.
The low-key gathering (of ‘about 10 guests’) this weekend will likely be held at his luxurious Ellerstina polo ranch, outside the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires.
‘Some real regrets’: Unlike last year, one of them isn’t a relationship with pop megastar Mariah Carey, who presented him with a gold Cartier wedding band to mark his 49th
‘Having a quiet time’: Instead, James said: ‘I’m here at my place in Argentina with a few friends having a quiet time’ (pictured Karl Stefanovic, not believed to be present this weekend )
Ellerstina is described as ‘the most important integral polo organization in the world’ and has eight polo fields, a golf course and seven stables with 268 horse boxes.
A source told Daily Mail Australia Packer’s yacht Arctic P was in Argentinian waters ahead of the birthday gathering, contrary to Private Sydney’s claims.
The super vessel has been a regular venue for recent Packer birthdays.
Absent: Fairfax added: ‘The glitzy trappings we have long come to associate with James Packer, from his diva pop star girlfriends to his superyachts, will be absent’ (pictured with first wife Jodhi Meares)
Ranch life! The low-key gathering (of ‘about 10 guests’) this weekend will likely be held at his luxurious Ellerstina polo ranch, outside the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires
Anyone for polo? Ellerstina is described as ‘the most important integral polo organization in the world’ and has eight polo fields, a golf course and seven stables with 268 horse boxes
Packer’s sister Gretel – whose 50th birthday he skipped in August last year – will be attending with the siblings’ mother Ros, according to The Australian.
It was to Ellerstina that Packer retreated after the break-up of his relationship with singer Mariah Carey, to whom he was engaged for 10 months until October last year.
To yacht or not to yacht? A source told Daily Mail Australia Packer’s yacht Arctic P was in Argentinian waters ahead of the birthday gathering, contrary to Private Sydney’s claims
Previous birthday guests have included Today host Karl Stefanovic, former Nine Network boss David Gyngell, which whom Packer had an infamous street brawl at Bondi in 2014, and his first wife, model Jodhi Meares.
In addition to failed relationships, the year has been difficult for James, with business challenges including the arrest of 17 Crown Resorts staff in China.
Hurricane Irma this week tore through the Caribbean island of Barbuda, where James and actor Robert De Niro are building a $310 million resort.
Party guests! Packer’s sister Gretel (R) – whose 50th birthday he skipped in August last year – will be attending with the siblings’ mother Ros (middle)
Tough year: In addition to failed relationships, the year has been difficult for James, with business challenges including the arrest of 17 Crown Resorts staff in China (pictured with father Kerry in 2005)
Storm damage: Hurricane Irma this week tore through the Caribbean island of Barbuda, where James and actor Robert De Niro are building a $310 million resort