Wendi Deng Murdoch is the poster girl for grace under pressure. Her resolve has stood her in good stead at a time when her husband Rupert Murdoch's business empire has come under scrutiny. This week, Wendi, the mother of two of the media tycoon's children, is by his side for two days of testimony to the Leveson inquiry into press practices.
Whispering gently in his ear, she was clearly ready to give the 81-year-old all her support – though probably not in quite as spectacular fashion as last year's Commons committee hearing.
Her profile rocketed when she defended her husband against a pie-throwing protester. On Wednesday, the reassuring hand over her husband's showed that there is also a playful side to the feisty Mrs Murdoch. The nails were painted turquoise to match her funky print outfit.
A few days previously at the Beijing Film Festival, the 43-year-old was looking as soignée and willowy as one of her Hollywood friends.
She wowed in a floor-length embroidered gown featuring a plunging neckline. Wendi, a film producer, who counts Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman in her inner circle, was promoting Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, her movie about two footbound children in ancient China.
The Australian screen contingent joined the Murdochs in 2010 when they had their two daughters baptised in Jordan in a magical celebration, organised by the country's Queen Rania.
