27 FEBRUARY 2002
At this week’s premiere of The Shipping News former US president Bill Clinton’s daughter Chelsea hobnobbed with the film’s stars Dame Judi Dench and Kevin Spacey. But a much lesser-known curly haired fellow was also drawing his share of attention – Chelsea’s new boyfriend Ian Klause, a fellow American and Oxford student.
The ex-first daughter took a break from holding her beau’s hand at the film’s premiere party, to sign autographs and speak to The Mirror about her blooming romance. “I’m so incredibly happy,” she enthused. “He’s the nicest guy ever. He makes me laugh all the time.”
Despite the fact the new couple has been to some high-profile events – Ian was first spotted with Chelsea when they sat with friends Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow at a Versace haute couture show last month – Chelsea told the paper she wants to keep her romance private. “I try not to thrust Ian into the limelight. I don’t think that’s good for any relationship. We’ve been together for a couple of months now and it’s going great. I would like it to continue that way.”
Between film premieres and fashion shows you might think 22-year-old Chelsea has a busy social calendar, but that’s not the case. “Even though I’m out tonight, my main priority is studying,” she said, adding: “and being with Ian.”