Adam Peaty's family has fuelled speculation of a bitter rift by flying a Union Flag upside down while staying hundreds of miles from his wedding, where they were notably absent.

The inverted flag - an internationally recognised symbol of distress - has been interpreted by some as a subtle dig aimed at the Olympian and his bride. 

However, is not known whether it was a deliberate snub or a simple mistake made by the patriotic family. 

The supposed key giveaway lies in the corner nearest the flagpole. When the broader white diagonal stripe sits above the red diagonal stripe, the flag is correct – but when it sits below, it is upside down.

The wedding has been overshadowed by a bitter family feud that has left the Olympian's parents and relatives absent from the celebrations.

It comes as Newlyweds Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay were seen leaving Bath Abbey after the ceremony today.

The Olympian swimmer, 31, and his blushing bride, 25, beamed as they made their grand exit from the historic building following today's ceremony.

They walked through an adoring crowd, keen to catch the loved-up couple, before they headed to the opulent Georgian manor, Kin House.

Roughly 120 miles away, in Staffordshire, Peaty's mother Caroline, father Mark and wider family remained at home as the ceremony unfolded, aid to be 'heartbroken' at missing the day.

Adam Peaty's family have fuelled speculation of a bitter rift by flying a Union Flag upside down while staying hundreds of miles from his wedding where they were notably absent

The inverted flag - an internationally recognised symbol of distress - has been interpreted as a pointed snub aimed at the Olympian and his bride

It comes as newlyweds Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay were seen leaving Bath Abbey after their lavish wedding - which unfolded against a backdrop of simmering family drama

Although the bitter feud rages on, it would have been hard to tell, as Holly glowed earlier in the day while arriving at the Abbey, guided by her celebrity chef father, Gordon Ramsay, 59

Caroline had reportedly planned to crash the wedding but has since decided against it explaining 'it would be too sad' and she doesn't 'want to spoil his big day'.

Her change of heart came after she'd previously insisted: 'I will be there, and I will watch from the street,' before later deciding against it, saying: 'It would be too sad. I don't want to spoil his big day.'

Her husband Mark persuaded her not to attend, telling her it would be 'too upsetting'.

Instead, the Peatys stayed at their home in Uttoxeter - the same home from which Caroline once ferried her son to countless training sessions and competitions.

Although the bitter feud rages on, it would have been hard to tell, as Holly glowed earlier in the day while arriving at the Abbey, guided by her celebrity chef father, Gordon Ramsay, 59.