Jamie Redknapp has opened up on how his eldest son he shares with former wife Louise Redknapp reacted to the news that Jamie was becoming a father again. The football pundit and his wife Frida Andersson welcomed their first child together back in November 2021, shortly after they wed.
Jamie’s relationship with the Swedish model, who also has four children from a previous marriage, began following his split from Louise after 19 years of marriage in 2017.
Following their break-up, Jamie, 52, rarely spoke about the split and chose to keep personal details out of his book released in 2020.
Now, in an rare insight into post-divorce life, Jamie has opened up about how his sons Charley, 21, and Beau, 16, reacted to him finding love again and welcoming another baby.
When questioned about becoming a dad once more in his late 40s on The Romesh Ranganathan Show, the son of Harry Redknapp explained he’s “a bit more relaxed” than he previously was, reports the Mirror.
Speaking about the “most difficult part” of having another child though, he disclosed: “It was actually telling the kids that they were going to have a younger brother.
“It didn’t go down that well with Charley, I’ve got to be honest. I went to pick him up at school and tell him Frida was pregnant [and] it went down like a lead balloon, if I’m honest.”
Reflecting on Charley’s response, he continued: “I got it, I totally understood it because his world had been turned upside down – you’re married, everything feels straightforward, and then you meet someone else and you get married again.”
Jamie went on to reveal that whilst he felt his heart was “so big” at the time, he recognised that “nothing was going to change from Charley and Beau’s aspect.”
Following the period they required to adjust, the boys have since embraced being big brothers to Raphael, who celebrates his fourth birthday next month.
In July, Jamie expressed his immense pride in Charley through a heartfelt Instagram tribute marking his 21st birthday. Within the post, he penned: “You’re also the best big brother – the way you are with Rapha and Beau melts my heart.
“Such a great role model; they’re so lucky to have you. Now that you’re 21, I’m hoping you’ll finally start beating me at golf… but I won’t make it easy! Can’t wait for a few days on the course together.”
Louise also shared a sweet tribute to mark Charley turning 21. On her Instagram account, she expressed: “Chaz, I’m so proud of the charming young man you’ve become. You’ve been my partner in crime since day one, and nothing makes me happier than seeing you live your best life.
“You have an incredible future ahead – keep working hard and smashing it.”
Louis has been in a relationship with businessman Drew Michael since 2023, but revealed that she has no plans to marry again just yet. Recently gushing over their romance, she told The Sun: “I was very guarded and scared. But I’m really enjoying having special times with someone. He’s a great guy and super-kind.”
Asked if a wedding could be on the horizon she added: “Oh, I’m not even thinking that far ahead. I’m not even going there. I just want to be proud of this and I want to really enjoy it. I’ve met a really great guy and I’m really happy. But you never know what the future holds.”