From a Melbourne schoolboy with a passion for theater to an Australian comedy legend revered the world over, Barry Humphries’ extraordinary rise to stardom is an incredible achievement.
But his enviable career is arguably overshadowed by a feat many comics wish to achieve but few can: enchant the British royal family.
Throughout his 70-year career, Humphries – and his lavish alter egos Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson – met most of the royal family, from the late Queen herself to the Queen Mother and King Charles.
His talent and wit delighted the royals, who were amused by the aristocratic titles he bestowed upon his beloved characters.
He developed a long-standing friendship with King Charles – he performed at the then Prince’s trust concert in 2006 – and was said to be a favorite of Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother.
Much to their delight, the royals were often subjected to his pranks, with Dame Edna and Sir Patterson making major appearances at high-profile family events, including the Queen’s Jubilee.
Dame Edna also exchanged famous fashion tips with Princess Diana and commented on two royal weddings, including Prince Andrew’s to Sarah Ferguson in 1986 and Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011.
As the world mourns the iconic comedian, Daily Mail Australia takes a look back at Humphries’ close bond and significant moments with members of the royal family.
Humphries is appointed Commander of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in October 2007
Charming the Queen
Several times over the decades, the Queen has been pictured greeting Humphries at events, with huge smiles on both of their faces as he held her hand.
After meeting the Queen in 2007, when he received his Commander of the British Empire medal from Her Majesty, he revealed that she was a fan.
“She said she was greatly entertained by many of my shows,” he said.
“I have just celebrated my 50th year on stage, so it is a great honor that my sovereign can bestow this on me, and I am very, very happy.
“I like medals and things like that.”
Despite his close association with royalty, Humphries avoided the usual pomp and circumstance when moving among relatives.
Instead of a stiff upper lip, when hosting anniversary coverage, he was twice seen referring to Her Majesty with his famous catchphrase, “Possum.”
“Here’s the Jubilee Girl, possums,” he said in 2002 when he co-hosted the Party at the Palace concert to mark the Queen’s 50th anniversary.
Barry says he called Princess Margaret thinking it was a hoax. Pictured: Barry as Dame Edna with the Queen in 1977
Commentary on the wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson
Dame Edna’s colorful jokes extend to all members of the royal family.
In 1986, she presented Channel 9’s coverage of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s wedding.
But Dame Edna’s commentary stole the show.
When Fergie finally arrived at the abbey, standing in an open carriage, Lady Edna waved with great joy and screamed at the top of her lungs.
Fergie saw her, nearly fell over laughing, and waved wildly back at Edna. It was a great moment, a great coup for Aussie royalty,” wrote Ray Martin in his memoir.
He then went on to describe Fergie as “that pretty little Sarah,” while also saying she wanted to give “a few pointers on the wedding itself.”
Fooling King Charles and Camilla
One of Humphries’ most famous sketches emerged in 2019 at the Royal Variety Performance in London.
Wearing a sparkly red dress, Dame Edna Gate crashed into King Charles and Camilla’s royal box, leaving the couple and thousands of people in awe.
A guard approached her, tapped her on the shoulder and presented her with a piece of paper, seemingly advising her to leave.
However, Dame Edna quipped, “oh sorry, they found me a better seat.”
In 2013, Humphries joked, “In those happier years, they often met and exchanged fashion tips. You can see the envy in Lady Di’s body language
The special bond between King Charles and Humphries
Although the royal family loved Humphries, the admiration was mutual.
In 2008, the Australian said the person he most admired in the world was Prince Charles.
“He does a lot of good work without anyone knowing,” he said.
Humphries claimed that King Charles especially loved his character Sir Les.
During one performance, the pair reportedly discussed how much saliva he could produce while in character, which he cheekily told the royal family: “With the gladiolus I can get them in Camilla’s lap when she’s in the front row of the dress circle.” ‘
Charles reportedly asked if there was “some kind of tube running in his mouth,” to which he replied, “No, I produce it myself.”
“It’s really organic. I can spit six rows into the stables.’
Encounters with Princess Diana
The Princess of Wales was also a huge fan of Humphries, with the pair photographed together laughing at several major London events.
In 2013, Humphries recalled an encounter Dame Edna had with the late princess in 1987.
“Princess Diana was thrilled to meet Edna during a lineup at the London Palladium,” he said.
‘In those happier years, they often met and exchanged fashion tips. You can see the envy in Lady Di’s body language.”
Princess Margaret’s prank call
Although loved by most members of the royal family, a very memorable incident – involving the English poet John Betjeman – brought him out of favor with Princess Margaret.
“I was on stage in Treasure Island with Willie Rushton and Spike Milligan, and after the show we all went to the bar,” Humphries recalled to Weekend Magazine last year.
One night the bartender yelled, “Call for you, Barry. She says she’s Princess Margaret.” So I went to the phone and the voice on the other end of the line said, ‘Hello, this is Princess Margaret. I have Sir John Betjeman here. We want you to join us for dinner now.’
“I thought it was a hoax so I laughed and put the phone down. Well, it turned out it really had been Princess Margaret, which didn’t bode well for our next meeting. I saw it in a certain froideur when I was introduced to her in a line-up. It was clear she hadn’t been very pleased.
Humphries’ most famous creation is Dame Edna Everage, who began in a 1955 Melbourne skit as a housewife, Mrs. Edna Everage. The self-proclaimed ‘gigastar’ is pictured meeting future Kings Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2010
Royals mourn Humphries
After the legendary comedian died on Saturday at the age of 89 from complications following hip surgery, members of the royal family were among those leading the deluge of tributes for their beloved friend.
Sarah Ferguson streamed online to share her grief, remembering Humphries for his “kindness” and “brilliance.”
“Thank you, dear Barry, for giving my father so much kindness and love [from] my whole family – we will miss your amazing genius,” the Duchess tweeted.
King Charles is said to have spoken to Humphries by telephone shortly before his death.
A spokesman for the royal family told News Corp on Sunday that King Charles III was “saddened” by the death of his old friend.
The spokesman said His Majesty was writing privately to the Humphries family.