Hollywood icon Kurt Russell has shared a fascinating anecdote about hosting members of the British royal family at his home during a family holiday in the early 1990s.

The Unexpected Royal Guests

Kurt Russell recounted his encounter with then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana at the royal premiere of the film Backdraft, where he sat between the couple. Understanding Diana’s challenges with paparazzi, Russell offered his home as a private retreat. “I said if you ever want to go somewhere that’s pretty under control, we’ll work it out – let me know,” he recalled.

Through connections between Goldie Hawn and Sarah Ferguson (Fergie), Diana accepted the invitation. She brought Princes William and Harry for a week-long stay while Russell and his family were away. “She brought the two boys and they stayed there for a week and had a wonderful time,” Russell said. Diana left appreciative notes, and Harry has since fondly remembered the visit as one of his best childhood memories. Russell noted with pride that the future King of England, Prince William, slept in his son’s room.

Upcoming TV Appearance

Russell shared these stories on the latest episode of The Jonathan Ross Show, airing Saturday at 9:25pm on ITV1 and ITVX. He is promoting his new drama series The Madison, created by Taylor Sheridan of Yellowstone fame, alongside stars like Michelle Pfeiffer, Matthew Fox, and Patrick J. Adams.

In the series, Russell plays Preston Clyburn, a role close to his own personality. “The Madison show is very different, it’s the first time I’m playing someone very like myself – I like that a lot too,” he explained. He emphasized his love for diverse roles: “I’ve had the great opportunity to play different broad characters and genres… it kept me interested.”

Family Pride and Career Reflections

Russell also touched on his stepdaughter Kate Hudson’s Oscar nomination for Song Sung Blue. Goldie Hawn plans to attend as her date, with Russell hoping to join them. “Goldie is going to be her date. I thought I was going to be in London… I’m going to get home in time to be there,” he said.

Reflecting on his early career, Russell recalled his uncredited cameo in 1963’s It Happened at the World’s Fair with Elvis Presley at age 12, and later portraying the King in a TV movie at 27. “It was primarily my memory of having worked with him,” he shared.

On retirement, Russell remains enthusiastic: “You do run into these time periods where you think sometimes but there is something about acting, it never gets old.”