Russel Crowe becomes King's defender amid push for Australia and New Zealand to ... trends now
Seasoned Hollywood actor Russell Crowe has stepped up to become the unlikely defender of King Charles, amid a push for Australia and New Zealand to ditch its ties with the British monarchy and become republics.
Yesterday it was revealed that during the historic Coronation ceremony this weekend, people in the UK and Commonwealth countries, would be asked to swear allegiance to the new King and Queen, in an oath known as 'Homage of the People'.
It prompted fierce backlash from republican campaigners in the countries down under, with the Australian Republic Movement calling on all Australians to instead pledge allegiance to its country's values rather than the King.
The Gladiator star Mr Crowe, 59, who was born in New Zealand but grew up in Australia, however, was quick to jump to the King's defence, calling him a 'good bloke' who 'was kind' and 'also funny'.
Reflecting on when he met the monarch 20 years ago at a film premier in London, Mr Crowe wrote his defence of the King on Twitter which said: 'The man who would be King was kind. He was also funny.
New Zealand-born actor has jumped to the defence of King Charles amid an ongoing push for Australia and New Zealand to step away from the British monarchy and become republics. Pictured: King Charles ad Russell Crowe at the Royal Premier of 'Master and Commander' in 2003
The Gladiator star, 59, (pictured) stepped up to become the unlikely defender of the new King calling him a 'good bloke' who 'was kind' and 'also funny
Writing a series of Tweets on Twitter, Mr Crowe reflected on when he met the monarch, adding that 'I don't think any of us can really understand what that life of duty and expectation must feel like'
'Deeply intelligent and good company, and gallant in his deference to Dani's (Mr Crowe's ex-wife) pregnancy. I'll never forget the warmth in our last handshake. Good bloke.
'I don't think any of us can really understand what that life of duty and expectation must feel like. He's taking over the family business. That is his destiny. Like it is for many, from publishers to plasterers.'
The actor met the then Prince of Wales back in 2003, attending the Royal film premiere of 'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World'.
While Mr Crowe said he was not a 'monarchist' and would never call a royal 'your highness', even revealing he called Prince William and Prince Harry 'mate' when he met them, he made known that he had the
