Sir Patrick Stewart explains heartbreaking reason why he has 'non-existent' relationship with his children

Sir Patrick Stewart may appear to have everything, especially considering the star-studded career he has lived up until this point.

But often as we find with a lot of celebs, what goes on behind closed doors is often a mystery.

Stewart recently spoke about how he has a 'practically non-existent' relationship with his children.

The Star Trek actor has two children named Daniel and Sophie, who were born in 1967 and 1972 respectively, with whom he shares with his first wife Sheila Falconer.

But Stewart says he has 'significant grief' over the fact he is now 'separated' from them.

In an interview with the Irish Independent, the actor was asked if he found it difficult to be the father he wanted to his children when they were younger.

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"It was," he admitted. "Given that I’m separated from my children now, - we don’t have relationships - they have become very important.

"I never thought that this would happen, but both my children are in their 50s - they’re not children anymore, they’re adults. And my relationship with them is practically non-existent.

"I could’ve done better as a parent, when my kids were little. I was just obsessed with my work and everything else took second place. I’m trying to correct that now wherever possible with my grandchildren [he has four]. And my own children seem to have forgiven me."

Stewart added: "[That has created] significant grief, yes. There’s not a day that goes by that I’m not pained by the memory of my children, who they were and by a sense of responsibility that they became who they are in part because of me and my influence or lack of influence on them. I always put my acting work first, before my family."

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While he may no longer be close to his children, the veteran actor is now happily married to Sunny Ozell, who he tied the knot with in 2013.

Stewart also explained how he is now counting his blessings he has found love following all the 'grief'.

"She is an absolutely sensational individual. I’m in love with her, I’m impressed by her," she said.

"She provides me with so much support and help, which I try to return as best that I can.

"But I’m so fortunate that I’m in, well, I don’t mean to say at the end of my life because I hope that’s not where I am and I don’t want to be melodramatic, but her contribution to my life has been extraordinary."