Celebrity Big Brother has returned to our screens, with the likes of Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, and Ekin-Su stepping into the house. Also joining our housemates is Gary Goldsmith, infamously known for being uncle to the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton.
But while ITV producers are no doubt hoping the businessman will leak some royal secrets, it’s said that the Middleton family have already read Goldsmith 'the riot act' – laying out exactly what he can and can’t talk about while on the show.
Goldsmith, 58, entered the house and become one of 2024’s celebrity housemates - while his niece, the Princess of Wales, recovered from abdominal surgery at home. Of course, his time in the house may be over soon. During the first episode, Goldsmith was voted as one of the three housemates at risk by Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne.
Speaking to The Sun about going on the show, Goldsmith said, 'I’ve spoken to Carole just to send my love and we talked about Kate given what’s going on. There’s lots going on in the family moment. So she’s spinning a lot of plates right now, it’s quite stressful. The last thing I’m going to do is bring any stress to them.'
A unnamed source also revealed to the publication that Kate's mother Carole had already briefed her brother on what he can address.
In other words, there's nothing stopping Goldsmith from saying anything he wants about the Royals. However, given he'll want to maintain a relationship with his family, he'll likely follow their wishes when it comes to certain subjects. For example, it's highly unlikely he'll disclose any information on recent speculation around Kate Middleton.
When asked by host AJ Odudu whether Kate could be watching, he shared, ‘If she is, it will be behind a sofa I guess… It’ll be a nice one in a nice house, I can guarantee that.’
Goldsmith touched on his royal links once again in his pre-show interview, revealing, ‘[Kate] is simply perfect. First time I met William, Catherine was cooking and William said, “Hi, do you want a cup of tea?” Very normal.’
The businessman – who dubbed himself the 'black sheep of the family' – has often been candid when it comes to his opinions on royal happenings. Given his penchant for sharing, not all royals will be feeling too comfortable. Goldsmith previously hit back at Meghan and Harry following the release of the Prince’s bombshell memoir Spare. When asked by his fellow housemates about the Sussexes, he was heard saying, 'You can’t throw your family under a bus in such a dramatic style and then write books about it and expect to be invited round for Christmas.'
Having confessed that his mouth can sometimes run away with him, time will tell how far he goes. Here's everything to know about Gary Goldsmith, the Celebrity Big Brother housemate causing a royal stir.
Who is Gary Goldsmith, and how is he related to Kate Middleton?
The younger brother of Kate's mum Carole, Gary is an uncle to Kate Middleton, as well as uncle to her siblings Pippa and James.
Gary was born in 1966 to his painter and decorator father Ron, and jewellery store assistant Dorothy. He was not the couple's first child, with them having welcomed their daughter Carole 11 years earlier.
Growing up in Hounslow, West London, the family had a much more modest upbringing - a far cry from Kate Middleton's now lavish royal ties.
What does Gary do for work?
Aside from being known as a royal insider and uncle to the future queen, Gary made his millions from his IT recruitment business.
Starting a job as an IT operator after leaving school, Gary climbed the ranks at an IT recruitment firm, becoming director within just six months. It's reported he now has a net worth of around £30 million.
How many times has Gary been married?
Gary has been married four times.
His first marriage was to sales executive Miranda Foote, who he wed in 1991. The businessman then went on to wed his second wife, Luan Bettaney, in 1997 - welcoming their daughter Tallulah together.
His third marriage was to wife Julia Leake, before Gary later married Julie-Ann Brown.
Gary Goldsmith controversies
Having made millions from his IT recruitment business, Gary was hit by a scandal back in 2009, after being seen measuring cocaine with a sex worker in Ibiza.
In 2017, he was faced with another scandal after admitting to punching his fourth wife, Julie-Ann, in the face following a night drinking. A taxi driver alleged that he saw Gary hit his wife after she accused him of taking drugs. At the time of his arrest, Met Police said, 'Officers arrested a 52-year-old man on suspicion of domestic assault. He has been taken to a central London police station for questioning.' He avoided jail, but was fined £5,000, as well as being ordered to undergo alcohol rehabilitation.
Despite his controversies, Gary has maintained his links to the Middletons – appearing as a guest at Kate and Prince William’s wedding in 2011, as well as Pippa Middleton’s wedding in 2017.
Charlotte Roberts is a News and Entertainment Writer for Grazia, writing interviews and features around everything pop culture.