In news that is sure to surprise readers as much as it did the team at New Idea, Hollywood heavyweight Russell Crowe has revealed that he named his son Charles, after, well, the King.
Now 19, Charles, has lived a life largely out of the spotlight, with both his famous dad and singer mum (Danielle Spencer) opting out of sharing photos of their child, who prior to his 18th birthday they shared custody of.
The divorced couple also share a second son, Tennyson, now 17.
But back to Charles!
WATCH NOW: Kyle and Jackie O’s awkward encounter with Russell Crowe. Article continues after video.
In an interview with the Kyle and Jackie O show to promote his upcoming tour – Russell Crowe’s Indoor Garden Party – the conversation steered towards Russell’s past encounters with the newly minted monarch.
“My direct experience with Charles as a person is that he was fantastic. He was funny, he was kind, he was intelligent, he was engaged [in the conversation],” Russell shared.
“Danielle was six months pregnant [at their time of meeting] and he was very gallant in his deference to her and I just really appreciated it.”
The exchange in question took place almost 20 years ago at a film premiere in London.
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Russell went on to add that whilst the encounter made an impact on the then couple, the name Charles was already at the back of their minds.
“Even though we already had that name in mind, having such a position experience [meeting the then Prince Charles] actually did weigh in on our decision to call our first son Charles.”
The questions came following a number of tweets Russell posted to his official Twitter account earlier this week:
“Don’t bother sending abuse, because I’m not a monarchist, nor am I a name dropper, but…I met the former Prince Charles at a Royal Premier of Master and Commander in London, 2003. Dani was 6 months pregnant with our first. We did the obligatory conga line of cast introductions, then we sat with him for the film,” Russel penned.
“The man who would be King was kind. He was also funny. Deeply intelligent and good company, and gallant in his deference to Dani’s pregnancy. I’ll never forget the warmth in our last hand shake. Good bloke.”
“I don’t think any of us can really understand what that life of duty and expectation must feel like. He’s taking over the family business. That is his destiny. Like it is for many, from publishers to plasterers.
After continuing to write about how he called both William and Harry “mate” when he saw them, Russell wrapped up his Twitter thread by saying that whilst “I don’t really think we need a King, I’m sure Charles III will do the very best job he can.”
