06 March 2024 , 14:41
820
0
It's only been a couple of days since Kate's uncle Gary Goldsmith entered the Celebrity Big Brother house, but he's not been shy in sharing his opinions so far - especially when it comes to the royals.
The younger brother of Carole Middleton has shared nothing but praise for the Princess of Wales, calling his niece the "most perfectly perfect person". The 58-year-old revealed that he is "really, really, really, really proud of her" and defended Kate against the swirling online speculation during her time out of the public eye.
But when asked whether he had to get permission from the Royal Family to take part in ITV's reboot of the popular reality show, which had been off air for six years, the millionaire dismissed the idea in just seven words.
"No, I don't need to do that," he said firmly. "Me being on the show has not been a topic for debate. I love my family, they can trust me that it's all going to be okay. My heart's in the right place with the family."
The businessman is reported to have previously applied to appear on I'm a Celebrity, although he wasn't successful.
Corrie's Sue Cleaver says I'm A Celebrity stint helped her to push boundaries
Kate acted as a bridesmaid for Gary in 1991 at his first wedding, but after scandal broke in 2009 she is reported to have kept her distance from him - as have the rest of the Middletons.
In 2009, Gary was filmed allegedly cutting lines of cocaine as part of a sting by the now-defunct News of the World. He also reportedly offered to provide sex workers to undercover journalists.
He still made the invite list to Kate's wedding to William in 2011, and her sister Pippa's wedding in 2017 - but is widely reported to be somewhat of the 'black sheep' of the family.
Carole Middleton was also reported to have expressed her displeasure to her younger brother about his appearance on the show, with sources telling The Sun, "Gary said he's been read the riot act by Kate's mum Carole and her dad Michael. They aren't happy he's going into Celebrity Big Brother. It is infuriating for them. Kate doesn't need this stress."
Do you have a story to tell? Email: [email protected]