Christopher Biggins has admitted he was not always an admirer of Prince William, though a recent encounter with the heir to the throne completely altered his perspective.
The veteran entertainer, who turned 77 recently, confessed that he had previously harboured reservations about the future king, though he could not pinpoint exactly why.
"I don't know why, but I wasn't," Mr Biggins explained. "But recently I did the Royal Variety Show."
The actor's opinion shifted dramatically following a backstage meeting with William at the Royal Albert Hall on November 19, where the Prince and Princess of Wales attended the annual performance.
Christopher Biggins reveals why he changed his mind on Prince William after royal meeting
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"I met him afterwards," Mr Biggins recalled. "And he was really quite touched. He was charming."
During their conversation, Mr Biggins revealed a personal connection to William's late mother that clearly resonated with the prince.
"I must tell you that this theatre, the Royal Albert Hall, is where years ago I took your mother to see Liza Minnelli, and your mother was just the most wonderful, incredible woman," Mr Biggins recounted telling William.
The mention of Princess Diana evidently moved the prince, with Mr Biggins noting that William appeared genuinely affected by the memory being shared.
Christopher Biggins performing at the Royal Variety Performance in November
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The Royal Variety Performance featured Biggins performing alongside a stellar lineup including Sinitta, Su Pollard, Lesley Joseph and Dr Ranj Singh.
The self-described staunch monarchist has long held Queen Elizabeth II as his hero, though he expressed frustration about Camilla's title, finding it confusing when people refer to "the Queen."
Biggins was far less charitable when discussing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, declaring that the former duke has "behaved ridiculously" and that he feels no sympathy for him.
"I don't feel sorry for Andrew," the actor stated bluntly. "I think if he'd been honest and said, 'Yes, I had sex with that girl' then none of this would have happened."
Prince William and Princess Kate attended the Royal Variety Performance this year
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Andrew has consistently maintained that he does not recall meeting Virginia Giuffre and denies any wrongdoing.
Mr Biggins believes the scandal has permanently damaged the institution, stating: "The Royal Family will never be the same again."
The pantomime veteran even incorporates the controversy into his current show, joking about being pulled onstage in a carriage by horses named "Fergie and Andrew."
He predicted that William would eventually "take out the scissors and cut things" within the family.
Christopher Biggins and Queen Camilla pictured in 2009
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In contrast to his harsh words for Andrew, Biggins heaped praise upon Princess Kate, declaring her "the saviour of the Royal Family."
The pair chatted about the princess bringing her children to pantomime performances, before the Princess of Wales shared an unexpected theatrical revelation.
"She was just walking away when she came back and said, 'Actually, when I was a young girl I played Principal Boy,'" Mr Biggins recounted in his interview with the Telegraph.
When he enquired which role she had taken, Kate revealed it was Dick Whittington. True to form, the pantomime king could not resist a cheeky quip: "Ah yes, I've heard of your Dick!"
The princess responded with good humour, wagging her finger and warning: "If you tell anyone that story..." Mr Biggins, naturally, has now shared it with the nation.