Toby Anstis' Blog

Prince Charles and Me 

Still can't believe I was talking to the future King of England about the Time Tunnel and the best road trip between two of his family's great residences, Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle...

Yesterday afternoon, as you've probably heard, were the Prince's Trust "Celebrate Success Awards 2008". And what a tremendous event. Always is. Being an Ambassador for the Trust means I'm lucky enough to be invited along each year to see the fantastic efforts of so many young people, who've often totally turned their lives around and achieved amazing things with the support of the Trust.

This year, I was honoured to be hosting the red carpet outside the Odeon in Leicester Square, which meant I'd be interviewing the celeb presenters/Ambassadors as they arrived. Nerve racking to say the least, as you're under pressure of time, and other media baying for two minutes with them. Working for the Trust tough means we get top priority. Nice. So, just getting the microphone working, and the camera rolling etc, " Toby, quick Kevin Spacey's here for a chat." What, already..?

Turn around, and there he is, right on my shoulder. Says hello.

Surreal. Two time Oscar winner, and one of my movie heroes, saying "hello" in the middle of Leicester Square! Writing this now makes me even more shell shocked to be honest. He's a top bloke. Obviously loves London. Doing fabulous things at The Old Vic, is very proud of being involved with the Trust. Plus, he starred in the brilliant LA Confidential and American Beauty! Anyway, he was great. Asked him about Superman 2 and he said it might well be happening.

Then Damian Lewis rocked up. Funny bloke. Good fun. One or two others, and then the BIG ONE!

Gwyneth Paltrow! Yep, beautiful Gwyneth Paltrow stepped out of her limo, graced the red carpet like a Princess (oh, look out, I'm getting carried away!), and made a beeline for me. The only interview she would be doing was with me. No pressure then.

She is TALL!  Seriously. You'd think she was petite from seeing her in the movies, but she must be about 6 ft tall. So striking, priceless good looks. Had to take a deep breath...

"Gwyneth Paltrow.....Toby, lovely to meet you and have you here to present an award."  Phew, got the pleasentries out the way without fluffing my words (should have really gone straight for the jugular and done the whole " hey baby, did you hurt your bottom when you fell from heaven" line.....nah!)

Had a nice chat about her being a Trust Ambassador, how the children are, forthcoming films....then, "So how long are you stopping for in London?".... "Well I live here....."

Ah, can someone please magic me to a dark room immediately please! 

I was convinced she and Chris Martin lived in their New York townhouse. Nope, they live here in London. Great! Won't forget that in a hurry!

She was very sweet though, and glided off into the venue.

Once they'd all gone in and met Prince Charles, I was then introduced to His Royal Highness (this was turning into quite a day!).

And we ended up talking for about 5 minutes. Asked me about Heart. I told him about the Time Tunnel, at 9 every morning. Then we got chatting about The Palace To Palace Bike Ride. Maybe you did it in September last year. 44 miles between Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Two of his family homes! He asked if it was hilly... and i said at points, yes. Particularly near Virginia Water. Places he of course knew. He is a human being like the rest of us after all.

Just bizarre as it dawned on me i was stood talking to the Heir To The Throne about relatively normal stuff. Charming man.

He was then escorted into the auditorium.

I went straight to Starbucks and downed a shot of Expresso!  The caffeine equivalent of a "pinch"!

Toby

Posted by Toby Anstis on March 19, 2008 at 09:18AM

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