Harold Shipman is the subject of BBC Two's documentary The Shipman Files: A Very British Crime Story on Tuesday night - but just what happened to his family after he was arrested for the murders of 15 of his patients?
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Who is Primrose Shipman?
Harold had been married to his partner Primrose for 40 years before he was arrested, and she steadfastly stayed by his side during the trial. It is believed that she had no idea that he had committed the crimes, and maintained his innocence throughout his trial and sentencing.
WATCH: The Shipman Files examines Harold Shipman's heinous crimes
The only glimmer of doubt from Primrose came in a letter sent to Harold in prison, in which she wrote: "Tell me everything, no matter what." However, it is not known what the serial killer's response was.
Primrose attending her husband's trial
According to The Guardian, she was a regular visitor at Wakefield Prison before his death in 2004, and even moved house to be closer to him. The pair first met on the bus when Primrose was just 17. After falling pregnant, she and Shipman tied the knot in 1966. They went on to have four children.
Where are Harold Shipman's children now?
The pair shared three sons, Sam, David and Christopher, and one daughter, Sarah. Very little is known of the four children, as all whom changed their names following their father's arrest.
Harold's son Christopher with his mother
However, Primrose and her four children did attend Harold's cremation in 2004, which was held in secret outside of normal hours, according to the BBC.
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At the time, the Prison Service spokesperson said: "It's really not something the Prison Service would have any control over. He died and we released his body to the coroner. This is a matter for the family." The former doctor died by suicide while serving a life sentence in prison. He is thought to have murdered up to 250 of his patients throughout his career.
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