Rod Stewart explains why he often ‘doesn’t see’ wife Penny Lancaster

Sir Rod Stewart has explained that he and his wife Penny Lancaster often spend time apart – and why it actually makes them closer as a result.

The 78-year-old rock legend shares a huge Essex mansion with Penny, 52, but that doesn’t stop the pair from getting their much-need alone time.

Speaking on the morning of their 16th wedding anniversary, Sir Rod even admitted that they were spending time apart even that day.

“She’s been away in Italy picking truffles but is coming back tonight, thank goodness,” he told the Mirror.

Sir Rod also admitted that, despite his bad-boy rocker persona, he is actually the romantic in their relationship.

READ MORE: Rod Stewart sheds a tear in Chris Evans’ back garden

He also suggested that their busy schedules and time away from one another has actually helped keep their relationship healthy and thriving.

Asked if their demanding calendars “help to oil the cogs of their marriage”, Rod confirmed: “It does actually.

“We often joke about the fact that we can both be in this large house in Essex and not see each other.

“We stay within the perimeters of the house but we don’t see each other until the evening.

“We wake up, have a cup of tea in bed together, and then she goes her way and I go mine.

“It’s lovely, we are not on top of each other all the time. We’re very fortunate in that position.”

Sir Rod and Penny first met in 1999 and have been married since 2007.

The happy couple share two sons: Alastair, 17, and Aiden, 12.

Sir Rod is a father to eight children in total, with four daughters, Sarah, 59, Kimberly, 43, Ruby, 36, and Renee, 31 — and four sons — Sean, 42, Liam, 28, Alastair and Aiden.

He welcomed eldest child, Sarah, with ex-girlfriend Susannah Boffey.

Sir Rod also shares daughter Kimberly and son Sean with his ex-wife Alana Stewart, and daughter Ruby with his ex-girlfriend Kelly Emberg.

Finally, he shares Renee and Liam with his ex-wife Rachel Hunter.