Kurt Russell fondly recalls friendship with Princess Diana. [Image Source: INDEPENDENT]
Actor Kurt Russell opened up about his connection with the late Princess Diana during an interview on ITV’s “The Jonathan Ross Show,” ahead of the launch of his new series, “The Madison.” The discussion touched on the origins and development of Russell’s friendship with the Princess of Wales, with whom he shared a unique bond rooted in their mutual challenges with the media.
Russell first encountered Diana at the 1991 premiere of his film “Backdraft,” where he found himself seated between Diana and her then-husband Prince Charles. The three connected over their shared frustration dealing with persistent paparazzi attention. Kurt recalled this experience, offering support to Diana and extending an invitation to visit a more private setting. He stated,
“I was sitting in between her and Charles,”
and added,
“I understand her difficulties with paparazzi and all that kind of thing. I said, ‘If you ever want to go somewhere that’s pretty under control, we’ll work it out – let me know’.”
The Princess Diana Family Visit and Lasting Bonds
Russell revealed that Princess Diana later took up his invitation, bringing her two sons to stay at his family’s ranch for a week. Though Kurt and his family were not present during their visit, he noted,
“She brought the two boys, and they stayed there for a week and had a wonderful time. I wasn’t there, none of us were there at the time but she wrote some really nice cards and things like that.”
The actor also shared that he maintained contact with Diana’s youngest son, Prince Harry. Reflecting on their encounters, Kurt said,
“I’ve seen Harry a number of times since then and he always remembers and he’s very sweet – he always remembers it as one of the really fun times they had.”
Adding a lighthearted remark, he joked about the connections between their families:
“I think it’s a great thing – the future king of England [Prince William] was sleeping in my son’s room.”
Russell had mentioned similar memories in a 2016 interview, recalling a conversation with Diana about her struggles with paparazzi. He had offered the ranch as a refuge due to its remote location. Despite the family’s absence during Diana’s stay, the couple’s housekeeper Bonnie had become close with the Princess, maintaining the connection through annual holiday greetings. Kurt noted,
Image of: Kurt Russell
“Our housekeeper Bonnie became very close with her and every Christmas she’d get a nice card from Diana,”
preserving their warm ties.
Inside Kurt and Goldie Hawn’s Colorado Retreat
Although Kurt Russell and his wife Goldie Hawn primarily reside in California, they own a picturesque ranch in Colorado that holds special significance for the family. Built in the late 1990s by Kurt, the family’s main home reflects their affinity for country living. Nearby, Goldie constructed another property where the family often gathers.
At “The Madison” premiere, Russell expressed his appreciation for the quieter, rural lifestyle. He shared,
“As you get older and you begin to sort of look at your life as a whole, I’m really glad that I made some of the choices I made. One of those was moving to Colorado. I was fortunate that Goldie loves Colorado. She really wanted to go there, and we get there as much as we possibly can. It’s a draw for me.”
Kurt further elaborated on the benefits of living away from urban bustle, emphasizing the chance for introspection and connection with nature. He explained,
“I think urban life has great value, but when you’re in the country you have time for self-reflection. That’s something people of any age shouldn’t forget. There’s something about being close to the land that reminds you of things about yourself that you can lose in an urban environment.”
The Enduring Impact of a Unique Friendship
Kurt Russell’s reflections reveal a rare glimpse into the private friendships that shaped Princess Diana’s life beyond the public eye. Their relationship, rooted in mutual understanding of the pressures from relentless media scrutiny, translated into meaningful support and warm memories. The visits and correspondence exchanged between families demonstrate the lasting bonds formed despite the distance and challenges of their public lives.
As “The Madison” introduces Kurt Russell to new audiences, his shared stories about Diana enrich the broader narrative of the late Princess and her enduring influence on those who knew her personally. With Russell’s candid recollections, fans gain insight into a lesser-known aspect of Diana’s life, highlighting her ability to forge genuine connections away from the spotlight.
