Jamie Redknapp has revealed his eldest son's initial reaction to news of a new sibling wasn't particularly positive. The football pundit and his wife Frida Andersson had their first child together in November 2021, just after getting married.
Jamie Redknapp's Family Dynamics
His relationship with the Swedish model, who brought four children from a previous relationship, began after his marriage to Louise ended in 2017 following 19 years together. After the split, Jamie kept quiet about the breakdown and deliberately avoided discussing personal matters in his 2020 book.
Now offering a rare glimpse into post-divorce life, Jamie, 52, has disclosed how his sons Charley, 21, and Beau, 16, really responded to him starting afresh and expanding his family.
Reaction to Baby News
When quizzed about fatherhood in his late 40s on The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Harry Redknapp's son admitted he's a bit more relaxed nowadays. However, discussing the most difficult part of having another child, he confessed: It was actually telling the kids that they were going to have a younger brother.
He continued: 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 said: 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.
Discussing his second son Beau, Jamie revealed it was a little bit easier for him to come to terms with the news.
Adjustment and Acceptance
The football pundit explained that while he felt his heart was so big at the time, he recognised that nothing was going to change from Charley and Beau's perspective. Following a period of adjustment, the boys have now fully embraced their roles as big brothers to Raphael.
In July, Jamie expressed immense pride in Charley through a heartfelt Instagram tribute marking his 21st birthday. Within the post, he wrote: 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 Redknapp's Perspective
Louise also marked her eldest son's milestone by sharing a collection of photographs spanning his 21 years. On her Instagram account, she wrote: 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.
Regarding her romantic life, the singer has been dating businessman Drew Michael since 2023, though unlike Jamie, she's not rushing down the aisle again. Opening up about her blossoming relationship, she revealed to 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.
When quizzed about potential wedding plans, she responded: 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.
Louise Redknapp will appear on Sunday Brunch today (June 14) on Channel 4, alongside hosts Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer from 10am.
