In an exclusive and heartfelt conversation with Closer Weekly, Julie Andrews’ granddaughter Kayti Edwards takes us back to her childhood days, offering a glimpse into what it was like growing up in the shadow of one of Hollywood’s most beloved icons. Kayti, now 41, is the daughter of Jennifer Edwards, the late Blake Edwards’ child from his first marriage. She recalls spending countless hours at her grandparents’ Malibu home, just a short walk away from where she grew up. "I could literally walk over to her house," Kayti reminisces. "We’d spend the entire day there, whether it was playing, eating, or just hanging out." These moments were especially cherished because, as Kayti explains, Julie’s life was always incredibly busy with work and commitments.
For Kayti, life with Julie Andrews wasn’t all glamour and glitz. Behind the scenes, the legendary actress was a strict but loving matriarch who kept things running smoothly at home. "She was very structured," Kayti reveals. "We had a set schedule, and there were specific times for everything—even tea time!" Interestingly, this sense of order mirrors the no-nonsense demeanor of Mary Poppins, the iconic role that made Andrews a household name. But beyond the rules, Julie was fiercely protective of her family. "She guarded us," Kayti adds, emphasizing how much her grandmother valued privacy and family time.
Julie and Kayti (together, far right) sharing a special moment with their family.
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Through her close relationship with Julie, Kayti was able to witness a side of her grandmother that most people never get to see. "She’s not just the perfect, polished character you see on screen," Kayti explains. "She’s a real person who experiences the full range of emotions—she gets angry, she feels deeply, and she’s incredibly human." This authenticity has left a lasting impression on Kayti, who admires her grandmother’s ability to balance fame with genuine connection.
One of the most important lessons Kayti learned from Julie is the importance of nurturing relationships and giving back to the community. "She’s been an ambassador for UNICEF for years, and she even adopted two children from Vietnam, Amy and Joanna," Kayti shares proudly. Inspired by her grandmother’s example, Kayti has dedicated herself to community outreach, focusing her efforts on helping the homeless. "It’s all about paying it forward," she says. "Julie taught me that we have a responsibility to take care of those around us."
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