Robert Irwin’s ‘secret’ relationship with Heath Ledger’s daughter Matilda revealed

Robert Irwin has developed a close friendship with his girlfriend Rorie Buckey’s cousin, Matilda Ledger.

The son of Steve Irwin, 19, has bonded with Matilda after both losing their fathers in tragic circumstances when they were two years old. 

Robert travelled to New York last month to support his sister Bindi as she underwent endometriosis surgery and connected with Matilda during the trip.

‘It’s hard to imagine a pair of Aussie kids who share a more similar story than Matilda and Robert. It really is a twist of fate that they ended up sharing such a strong link through Rorie,’ a source told Woman’s Day.

‘Getting to know Matilda who’s in a similar boat not remembering her dad because she was so young, would be so cathartic for him.’

Robert Irwin has developed a close friendship with his girlfriend Rorie Buckey’s cousin Matilda Ledger 

Robert was just two years old when his father died after he was stung by a stingray in 2006 at the age of just 44.

Matilda’s father Heath died in a New York City apartment on January 22, 2008, after accidentally overdosing following months of physical and mental exhaustion.

Reportedly a drug user on and off for years, things came to a head when he was juggling too many films – including his last role The Dark Knight – on very little sleep and he started relying on various cocktails of prescriptions to shut his mind off.

Meanwhile, Robert has been linked to Rorie since November when they were spotted cuddling up during a romantic beachside date in Queensland.

The son of Steve Irwin, 19, has bonded with Matilda after they both lost their dads in tragic circumstances when they were two years old, Woman’s Day has reported. Pictured Steve and Robert in 2006

Matilda’s father Heath died in a New York City apartment on January 22, 2008, after accidentally overdosing following months of physical and mental exhaustion 

The young couple enjoyed a sunset stroll, both unable to wipe the smiles from their faces.

After grabbing burgers and fries from a local Grill’d restaurant, the pair eventually found a path of grass and sat down, prompting Robert to throw his arms around the blonde and give her a big bear hug.

Perth-based Rorie is the daughter Heath Ledger’s sister Kate, who owns a design and media productions company, and Nathan Buckey, a floor coverings store owner. 

Robert was first spotted cuddling up to Rorie (pictured) during a romantic beachside date in Queensland on November 18 – and sparks were flying