Rose Leslie reveals the ONE Game Of Thrones scene she hopes her children never see as she credits Iceland’s brutal winter for sparking off-screen romance with Kit Harington

In terms of pivotal events that shape one’s career, there aren’t many more thrilling or memorable than filming an intimate scene set in a cave on a snow-peaked mountain, which eventually leads to an on-screen partnership that later develops into a real-life marriage off the set.

Although this scene carries a strong personal significance for actress Rose Leslie, she has chosen to single it out as the one from Game of Thrones that she would prefer her future children not to watch when they become old enough for the series.

As an ardent admirer, let me share my perspective: I, 38, was just another face in the crowd when fate bestowed upon me the role of Ygritte, the fiery-haired wildling warrior with a heart as passionate as her spirit. During the series’ second season, I found myself entangled in a smoldering romance with Kit Harington‘s character, Jon Snow. It was an unexpected journey that catapulted me from obscurity to the limelight, all thanks to the captivating world of Game of Thrones.

Although she’s joyful that her two kids with Harington, whom she wed in 2018, can appreciate the impact Game of Thrones had on their bond, the Scottish actress confesses she’s hesitant to allow them to view a significant scene where Snow’s virginity is taken by the feisty wildling in a secluded cave.

In a July interview with Tatler, she stated: “I don’t believe it’s up to us to decide. If they want to watch my parents perform their acts – and by that I mean, I’d prefer not to discuss the intimate parts – but rather enjoy their other performances and various aspects… there seems to be a festive spirit in it.

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In the desolate, sparsely populated, and frigid tundra regions of Iceland, as depicted in George R.R. Martin’s fantasy novel series, Leslie and Harington found themselves paired due to a challenging filming schedule.

She remembered: My inaugural visit to Iceland was extraordinary. Since it was wintertime, our shooting schedule was limited to just four hours each day due to the short daylight hours.

‘So we’d wrap at 2:00pm and then we’d have the rest of the afternoon and the evening. 

Since we were in a remote location, we all stayed at the same hotel. This allowed us to interact with each other more closely, fostering a strong sense of comradery.

Afterward, they exchanged vows in a wedding where Sophie Turner, Emilia Clarke, and Peter Dinklage from Game of Thrones were present.

Leslie and Harington journeyed a distance of two miles away from Wardhill Castle, their family’s vast property, to the Rayne Church situated in Kirkton of Rayne, for the ceremony led by Father Chad Boulton, who is a Benedictine monk.

A grand and showy event, the ceremony mirrored Leslie’s privileged upbringing as a daughter of the Scottish aristocracy; her father is Sebastian Arbuthnot-Leslie, Chief of the Aberdeenshire branch of the Scottish Clan Leslie, while her mother, Candida Mary Sibyl Leslie, hails from the Clan Fraser of Lovat.

This version maintains the original’s essence but simplifies and clarifies it for a broader audience by using everyday language and avoiding technical terms like “ostentatious” or “aristocracy.

For centuries, the Leslie Clan has honored their faith at Rayne Church, and the church’s walls bear tributes to numerous ancestors from the Leslie family.

Their graves fill the small church yard which is surrounded by a high stone wall. 

Leslie attended the tiny Rayne Primary primary school down the road as a young girl. 

‘God I felt so elated that day,’ she recalled. 

The pinnacle came when I wed my beloved, within the cherished abode where I found immense joy, inviting all my dear companions to Scotland. The delight of that day was simply extraordinary… as we continued celebrations throughout the evening in our very own garden.

The actress expresses a strong connection to her Celtic heritage, having grown up among the rolling hills of rural Aberdeenshire alongside her four siblings.

In a simpler and more conversational manner, she might have said: “The Scottish Highlands fill me with a sense of hope. Even as the wind and rain blow against me, I somehow feel deeply rooted and safe.

In my youth, I enjoyed a remarkably fortunate upbringing. It was secluded, yet filled with affection, offering ample room for outdoor activities, and companionship from my brothers and sisters.

‘We had lots of dogs, it was all about being outside and making dens in this big rhododendron bush.

I believe it stimulates our ability to imagine “play” and this concept seems to have been deeply ingrained in each of us.

In the July edition of Tatler, which you can access digitally starting from Thursday, 5th June, or find on newsstands from that date, be sure to check out the comprehensive article in full.

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2025-05-28 15:06

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