King Charles reportedly called Dame Edna star Barry Humphries hours before he died.
The Australian comic and TV icon passed away on Saturday night following complications from hip replacement surgery.
Barry's shock death at the age of 89 came weeks after he was admitted to hospital following a fall as he reached for a book at home in February.
Throughout his career he was very friendly with the Royal Family and left Charles and Camilla in stitches when he sneaked into the royal box during the Royal Variety Performance in 2013.
A spokesperson for the royals said Charles was “saddened” by the death of his long-time friend and was “writing to the Mr Humphries family as we speak”.
But it has emerged Charles also spoke to Barry while he was in hospital just hours before he died.
Barry’s pal Rowan Dean told Sky News Australia : “Yesterday King Charles the third spoke to Barry Humphries on the phone shortly before Barry passed away.”
He added the comic “would not want people to be in mourning” as he urged fans to “celebrate” his life instead.
Recalling how Barry was still making people laugh in his final moments, Rowan continued: “I spoke to Barry on the phone only a couple of days ago and as usual he was cracking jokes. I also saw him in hospital about 10 days ago and he had us in stitches.”
Tributes are continuing to pour in for the much-loved comic, whose catchphrase was ‘Hello Possums!’
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted: "For 89 years, Barry Humphries entertained us through a galaxy of personas, from Dame Edna to Sandy Stone. But the brightest star in that galaxy was always Barry. A great wit, satirist, writer and an absolute one-of-kind, he was both gifted and a gift. May he rest in peace."
Aussie icon Jason Donovan also paid tribute, saying: "Australia has lost one of its greatest! Funny, literate and fiercely intelligent Barry Humphries was quite simply an entertaining genius. The characters he created brought laughter to millions … My thoughts are with family on this sad day!"
Gavin and Stacey actor Rob Brydon said: "RIP Barry Humphries. A true great who inspired me immeasurably. It was a delight to call him my friend. I've been in Australia and was with him only 3 days ago. He was, as ever, making me laugh. His talent shone until the very end. My love goes out to Lizzie and all the family."
Little Britain and former Great British Bake Off host Matt Lucas added: "I wonder if all geniuses are as lovely as Barry Humphries. Thank you for delighting and inspiring us. Quite simply, you were the greatest."
But it was Barry’s long-standing friendships with the British royals that saw him appear at Royal Variety shows and a Prince’s Trust concert.
He is also said to have been a favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother.
In 2008, Barry said the person he admired most in the world was the then Prince Charles as “he does a great deal of good work without anyone knowing about it”.
Charles is said to have been a particular fan of Barry’s other famous character, Sir Les Patterson.
Announcing his death on Saturday, Barry’s family said “he was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit”.
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