From Rowan Atkinson to Barbra Streisand: King Charles’ Most Well-known Superstar Associates

The British royal family is going through a tumultuous time amid King Charles’ cancer diagnosis and the conspiracy theories surrounding Kate Middleton’s health and apparent disappearance. With the chaos in full effect, the British royal family once again finds itself in the eye of a media storm. However, despite weathering numerous controversies over the years, King Charles has always received immense support and strength from his celebrity friends.

2024 has been a challenging year for King Charles. The monarch first underwent a medical procedure for an enlarged prostate. Then, on February 5, Buckingham Palace released a statement about his health, revealing that his “diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.” The news of King Charles’ cancer diagnosis and current health condition arrived on the heels of daughter-in-law Kate Middleton’s hospitalisation after she underwent abdominal surgery.

While the Palace reported that King Charles would continue to perform his regular duties amid his ongoing cancer treatment, it was Middleton’s two-month disappearance from the public eye that caused a stir. As per the official statement from Kensington Palace, the Princess of Wales had underwent a planned medical procedure, and would be out of commission until Easter. However, her continued absence and the surfacing of several badly-edited photographs have stirred concerns amongst fans of the family from around the globe.

To pacify fans and douse the fire caused by vivid conspiracy theories, Kensington Palace released a photo of the Princess celebrating Mother’s Day in the UK. The photo appeared to showcase Kate alongside her three kids — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis; however, it soon caught fire and caused a new media storm after news agencies found discrepancies in it. A “kill notice” was sent out by agencies like Reuters and the Associated Press (AP), which advised clients to not publish the picture. Following the news, which caused a public frenzy that took over the internet, an apology was issued by Kensington Palace. The statement expressed that the photo was the result of Middleton’s attempt at photo editing gone wrong.

In spite of the royal family’s current crises, King Charles is not without friends. We take a look at all the famous personalities who have stood by his side, and continue to be his closest friends.

A look at celebrity friends of King Charles

Sir Rod Stewart

British singer-songwriter, Sir Rod Stewart has been and continues to be one of King Charles’ oldest friends. The Maggie May singer, who has battled prostate cancer himself, addressed the news of King Charles‘ diagnosis while appearing on an ITV show. Said the legendary singer, “Well, first of all, let’s take our hat off to our King who made it publically known. We are prostate sisters!”

The bond between the two dates back to when Stewart served as an ambassador for Charles’ charity, The Prince’s Trust in 2008. The 79-year-old singer also serenaded the attendees of the King’s 60th birthday bash. Their close friendship is also reflected in the singer’s sweet reaction to his song being chosen for the monarch’s coronation playlist. Taking to Instagram, he expressed his delight over the selection and called it an “honour.”

Rod Stewart received a knighthood from the royal family in 2016, and he was knighted by Prince William. The singer was also invited to perform at Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee concert.

Stephen Fry

British actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry has been a close friend of the monarch for several years and was also invited to the King’s coronation ceremony in May last year. Recently, the 66-year-old shared his concerns about the monarch’s health. Speaking to BBC about his friend’s diagnosis, Fry said, “I am anxious, of course, anxious for his wellbeing.” He also added, “I think what he wants to do is good, is beneficial for the country and for the people he’s there to help.” Fry himself is a cancer survivor and revealed in February 2018 that he, too, had had prostate cancer.

As for the duo’s friendship, Fry has known the royal family since the 1960s. During an appearance on the Graham Norton Show, he recalled having King Charles (back then, Prince of Wales) over for an afternoon tea on New Year’s Day. Fry, who lived in Norfolk in 1965, had invited the royal over for a cup of tea; much to his surprise, the then Prince of Wales agreed. Fry added, “I open the door and he goes, ‘Oh hello, I hope you don’t mind: I brought my wife,’ And Princess Diana comes out of the shadows… Everybody comes down and we have this tea party and it’s fantastic.”

Miriam Margolyes

Miriam Margolyes who famously starred as Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films shares a special friendship with King Charles. She once mentioned that the two had been pen pals in the past. It all started when King Charles wrote to her after he found himself impressed with her work on the audiobook version of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist in 1998. There is also a strong sense of camaraderie shared between the actress and Queen Camilla. In her memoir, This Much is True, Margolyes has detailed her past interactions with King Charles.

Describing him, Margolyes wrote, “I think he’s a good man who cares a great deal for the country, and I can’t bear the horrid things people write about him and the other members of the Royal Family.” In the book, she also recalled being invited to a house party in Sandringham where Charles performed a monologue. Describing him as a “fine actor”, she went on to add that he did a “superb Aussie accent.”

Rowan Atkinson

Best known for playing Mr Bean, Rowan Atkinson is a close friend of the British royal family and particularly shares a great bond with King Charles. The actor has attended several private events hosted by the monarch and was among the exclusive guests who attended his wedding to (now) Queen Camilla. Atkinson was also part of King Charles’ 60th birthday celebration, which was hosted at Highgrove. The actor has been a key invitee for all major events hosted by the royal family, including King Charles’ coronation and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding.

Atkinson has also shared a cinematic connection with the royal family as he shot a popular coronation scene in his film, Johnny English. The film showcases his character disrupting a coronation and accidentally being crowned himself. He later returns the crown to the Queen, asking for a knighthood in return.

As for the real honour bestowed on him by the royal family, Atkinson was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2013.

Richard E. Grant

Actor Richard E. Grant and King Charles share a friendship dating back nearly 25 years. The royal had previously invited the famed actor to be an ambassador for his Prince’s Trust. Grant’s close association with the royal family is such that back in 2001, he and his wife Joan Washington were invited to stay at Sandringham House.

In his memoir A Pocketful of Happiness, the Saltburn actor revealed a funny incident from his stay at the estate. Grant recalled staying with the royals after returning from his horse training for the 2003 film, Monsieur N. The rigorous training resulted in the actor having “bloodied boxers”, which he tried to dispose of at the royal estate by hiding them. In a turn of events, the next day, he was presented with the same pair, freshly laundered and immaculately pressed. It’s unknown whether King Charles was aware of this embarrassing, but hilarious incident involving his friend.

Apart from this, Grant has also spoken out about receiving support from the monarch during a difficult time. The actor lost his wife to lung cancer in 2021, and after her passing, Grant thanked everyone who sent their support and wishes in her final months. He particularly thanked King Charles for his kindness and wrote in a post, “Will never forget the kindness of the King, who visited my wife in her final weeks — empathetic, philosophical, compassionate and kind.” The actor also hailed Charles’ generosity in another interview, where he reminisced about the royal’s personal visit to his Gloucestershire cottage where his late wife spent her final months.

Barbra Streisand

One of the most popular singers and actresses around the world, Barbra Streisand has been open and candid about her long friendship with King Charles III. The duo were acquainted for the first time in 1974 when he visited Los Angeles and was keen to meet with her.

In her memoir, My Name is Barbra, she recalled how her sharing a cup tea of tea with him had caused a massive media storm. She wrote, “I was drinking tea and offered him a sip… and the future king of England actually drank from my cup, which was apparently unprecedented.” The monarch had been a fan of Streisand’s singing since his college years, reportedly keeping a poster of her in his room. In 1994, he attended one of Streisand’s concerts in London. She was also invited to visit the monarch’s Highgrove home in 1995. Streisand said her and Charles’ “extraordinary” friendship has lasted “decades” and the two still exchange flowers and birthday cards to this day.

Stella McCartney

Famed British fashion designer and daughter of Paul McCartney, Stella McCartney is also among the list of King Charles’ celebrity friends. She was awarded a CBE for her commitment to fashion and sustainability in 2023. The designer and the monarch’s shared passion for environmentalism resulted in a special bond. McCartney has been a part of the King’s inner circle for a long time.

A reflection of their close friendship was on full display in a lighthearted moment shared between the two in 2022, at a reception hosted by King Charles. On meeting King Charles, McCartney jokingly said, “Your Majesty, I don’t know what I’m supposed to do anymore!” Her comment brought a chuckle out of the monarch, after which she greeted him properly with a curtsey.

(Main and featured images: Tim Whitby/Getty Images)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Who is the best friend of King Charles?

King Charles has a big circle of friends including some celebrities. Reports suggest the royal is closest to Charles Wellesley (9th Duke of Wellington).

– Who are friends of the royal family?

The British royal family has acquaintances with several famous personalities. King Charles has popular celebrity friends including Sir Rod Stewart, Barbra Streisand, and more.

– How many people work for King Charles?

As per reports, King Charles employs twenty-eight personal household staff members who have stipulated duties.

– Who accompanies King Charles?

King Charles has appointed his first female equerry, Captain Kat Anderson, an officer with the Royal Artillery. She is the King’s new assistant equerry that helps to oversee the running of the monarchy’s diary of official engagements.