King Charles made a phone call to Barry Humphries before his death

King Charles was in contact with his longtime friend Barry Humphries during his time in hospital, it’s been revealed.

King Charles contacted his longtime friend Barry Humphries shortly before his death, it’s been revealed

Film director Bruce Beresford, who visited Humphries in hospital, said the monarch called the Aussie star days before he died and emailed him while he was in hospital.

“Barry said, ‘Well, I always admired him. We always got on well and I really liked his company and enjoyed being with him’,” Beresford told The Australian.

“Barry was one of those people, he had great capacity for friendship. He was so interested in people.”

It comes after New Corp revealed King Charles had been left “saddened” by the news of Humphries’ death.

Thank you dearest Barry for giving my father so much kindness and to all my family — we will miss your amazing brilliance. pic.twitter.com/LW18bLrS0O

— Sarah Ferguson (Fergie) (@SarahTheDuchess) April 22, 2023

A spokeswoman for the royal family on Saturday night told News Corp Australia: “His Majesty is writing privately to Mr Humphries’ family as we speak.”

King Charles’ former sister-in-law, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, also revealed her sadness around the loss of “dearest Barry”.

“Thank you dearest Barry for giving my father so much kindness and [from] all my family — we will miss your amazing brilliance.”

In 1986, Humphries — as Dame Edna Everage — co-hosted Channel 9’s coverage of Fergie’s wedding to former husband Prince Andrew, lending a touch of the absurd to the major royal event.

Dame Edna Everage had King Charles and Camilla in hysterics during an event in London in 2019. Picture: Supplied

Gallery: Barry Humphries’ iconic life in pictures

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In 2019, Humphries’ Dame Edna Everage had King Charles and Camilla in stitches after the megastar from Moonee Ponds gatecrashed the royal box at the Royal Variety Performance in London. After taking her seat, Edna was tapped on the shoulder by security in front of a cackling royal couple. “I’m sorry,” Edna quipped. “They’ve found me a better seat.”

An absolute classic featuring the now King and Queen Consort. It’s just so delicious.

RIP Dame Edna and Barry Humphries. pic.twitter.com/P6SKap36Ju

— Christopher Golds (@chrisgolds) April 22, 2023

Humphries has long had a good relationship with the royal family. In 2008, the Australian said the person he most admired in the world was the then Prince Charles because “he does a great deal of good work without anyone knowing about it”.

He was also said to be a favourite of the Queen and the Queen Mother.

Humphries died in Sydney on Saturday, after complications from a broken hip. He was 89. His family were by his side, his family confirmed in a statement.

““It is with great sadness that we announce that Barry Humphries passed away peacefully in Sydney, Australia today. He was surrounded by his family,” his family said.

“He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit.”

Former British prime minister Boris Johnson called him “one of the greatest ever Australians”.

“He was a comic genius who used his exuberant alter egos, Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, to say the otherwise unsayable. Also an infallibly brilliant Spectator contributor. What a loss,” he said.

British comedian Matt Lucas tweeted: “I wonder if all geniuses are as lovely as Barry Humphries.”

I wonder if all geniuses are as lovely as Barry Humphries. Thank you for delighting and inspiring us. Quite simply, you were the greatest. pic.twitter.com/86scyP449b

— Matt Lucas HQ (@RealMattLucas) April 22, 2023

Ricky Gervais, also British of The Office fame, simply said: “Farewell, Barry Humphries, you Comedy genius.”