Hollywood actor Kurt Russell has revealed that Princess Diana, along with her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, once stayed at his private ranch in Colorado. The holiday occurred sometime after August 1991, following the royal premiere of the film Backdraft, where Russell first met Diana while sitting between her and Prince Charles. Russell described the visit as a joyful occasion for the young princes and shared memories that have lasted over the years.
Memories from the 1991 Backdraft Premiere and an Invitation to the Ranch
During an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, Russell recounted how he found himself seated between Diana and then Prince Charles at the film’s premiere. Aware of Diana’s struggles with paparazzi, he offered her a place of refuge, saying,
“If you ever want to go somewhere that’s pretty under control, we’ll work it out – let me know.”
Following this, Diana brought William and Harry to stay at his ranch for a week. Although Russell and his family were not present during the visit, they received heartfelt notes of thanks from Diana.
Russell noted,
“I was sitting in between her and Charles. I understand her difficulties with paparazzi and all that kind of thing.”
He added,
“She (Diana) brought the two boys and they stayed there for a week and had a wonderful time.”
Reflecting on the lasting impression the visit made, Russell shared,
“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.”
– Kurt Russell, Actor
Prince William’s Stay and Russell’s Reflections on His Connection with the Royal Family
The location of the ranch remains undisclosed, but Russell mentioned that Prince William, the future king of England, even stayed in his son’s bedroom during the visit. This intimate detail highlights the personal nature of the retreat Diana chose for her children.
Russell commented,
“I think it’s a great thing – the future king of England (William) was sleeping in my son’s room.”
– Kurt Russell, Actor
This private holiday offered a peaceful contrast to the intense public spotlight that Diana and her family often faced.
Russell’s Longstanding Relationship with Goldie Hawn and His Ongoing Acting Career
In addition to discussing the royal visit, Russell spoke about his 43-year partnership with actress Goldie Hawn, whom he first met in 1966 while working on a Disney film. He called Hawn
“one of the great people on the planet,”
describing their relationship fondly.
He recounted,
“Years later, she was doing a picture called Swing Shift and we met.”
– Kurt Russell, Actor
When asked about their marital status, Russell wryly responded, You never know.
On the subject of retirement, at age 74, he explained that acting still holds great appeal, especially with his latest project, the Paramount+ drama The Madison, in which he plays a role somewhat aligned with his own personality. Regarding this, he remarked,
“The Madison show is very different, it’s the first time I’m playing someone very like myself – I like that a lot too.”
– Kurt Russell, Actor
Highlights from The Jonathan Ross Show’s Guests and Conversations
Alongside Russell, the show featured various guests including David Byrne, the frontman of Talking Heads, who shared his experience collaborating with singer Olivia Rodrigo. Byrne said,
“She reached out to me, which was a very nice surprise.”
– David Byrne, Musician
Byrne also expressed admiration for Spanish singer Rosalía and UK artist Lily Allen. Discussing Allen’s album inspired by her separation from actor David Harbour, he noted,
“That is amazing. I’m so jealous but I’m not jealous of what she went through.”
– David Byrne, Musician
Other guests included Dame Maggie Aderin, host of The Sky At Night, comedian Sara Pascoe, and singer-songwriter Noah Kahan, who performed live.
Significance of the Royal Retreat and Russell’s Connection with the Diana Family
Kurt Russell’s revelation about Princess Diana’s holiday at his ranch offers a rare glimpse into a private moment shared by the royal family away from public scrutiny. This connection underscores the softer side of Diana, emphasizing her desire to provide her sons with joyful, low-key experiences during turbulent times. The story also reflects the unexpected friendships that can form between Hollywood and royalty, lasting decades and resonating in both personal memories and shared history.
