Exclusive:
EXCLUSIVE: A woman who found fame in recent years by being dubbed the ‘world’s hottest gran’ says King Charles inspired her to want to be a Playboy model – after an unlikely meeting between the pair
The so-called “world’s hottest gran” sensationally credited King Charles with inspiring her to become a Playboy model.
Gina Stewart, 54, met the monarch when she was an 11-year-old schoolgirl and claimed it had a “profound impact” on her.
She even got to shake hands with the then Prince during his visit to Pakuranga in New Zealand in 1981 alongside Princess Diana.
But before speaking with the heir to the throne, Gina and her pals were aware of a viral story about Charles being kissed on a beach by a Playboy model.
It happened in 1979 when the future monarch was visiting Australia. He was emerging from the sea at Cottesloe Beach when Playboy model Jane Priest ran up and kissed his cheek.
The photos were shared all over the world and Gina remembered: “We all knew at school that he was kissed on the beach by a Playboy Bunny.
“He was seen as a heart throb and maybe that’s what inspired me to be a Playboy model when I grew up. I thought I would catch my handsome prince one day.”
And giving an insight into what it was like meeting royalty, she told the Mirror: “I got a chance to connect, talk and shake his hand. He took a genuine interest in us all so that memory has stood out as a special moment in my life when I was a child.
“He even rode my best friend’s BMX bike round the school field, having us all in stitches. I must admit he was very handsome, well-dressed and suave with a great sense of humour and a kind personality.”
Gina said it was his humour that stood out the most and that his “understated charm” put people at ease.
She also described him as grounded and approachable, with the age-defying gran adding: “Seeing him now as King, it’s clear those same qualities – his warmth, intelligence and sense of purpose – are still at the core of who he is.
“It’s a privilege to have crossed paths with someone who has dedicated his life to service and making a positive impact on the world.”
Gina, meanwhile, became a mum at 19 and she now has three adult children alongside three grandchildren.
The social media star also has a daughter, ten, and she found fame in recent years after entering a Maxim modelling competition.
She did so to raise money for a friend who suffered a stroke and she was soon named on the Maxim Australia Hot 100 list in 2019.
And despite her positive experience with the heir, a famous letter later sold at an auction revealed the difficult time Charles had in Australia and New Zealand.
The handwritten note to a friend read: “The real problem is keeping enthusiasm on each new day because I am beginning to get fed up of nonsensical rubbish I take all day and every day.
“If one more NZ child asks me what it’s like to be a prince I shall go demented.”