A crisp London morning saw a unique gathering as friends, family, and fans came together to honour the unforgettable life of Dame Jilly Cooper.
Among the crowd were not just her beloved cast members from Rivals but also Queen Camilla, who joined in celebrating the author’s extraordinary, and often mischievous, legacy.
The memorial service took place at the iconic Southwark Cathedral, where the atmosphere was a mixture of heartfelt grief and joyful reminiscence.
Dame Jilly, who passed away unexpectedly last October at the age of 88 following a fall, left behind a glittering literary career that spanned decades.
Known for her scandalous and steamy novels set in the British upper class, she continued to captivate readers and viewers alike, particularly with the recent revival of Rivals, now adapted for Disney+ with David Tennant, Alex Hassell, Emily Atack, and Danny Dyer starring.
Celebrating a Naughty and Brilliant Life
The service drew a mix of emotions as those closest to Dame Jilly shared memories.
Queen Camilla was greeted warmly by the Dean of Southwark, the Very Rev Dr Mark Oakley, and was visibly moved as she admired a photograph of her longtime friend displayed outside the cathedral.
Camilla’s ex-husband, Andrew Parker-Bowles—widely recognized as the inspiration behind Jilly’s notorious character Rupert Campbell-Black—was also among the congregation.
Felicity Blunt, Dame Jilly’s literary agent and sister of actress Emily Blunt, appeared solemn yet reflective as she entered the cathedral with her husband, Stanley Tucci.
Tucci shared heartfelt remarks with journalists, saying, “She lived an incredible life. She changed the lives of so many people for the better with her books. She was extraordinary, brilliant, kind, and yes… delightfully naughty.”
Fond Memories from Friends and Co-Stars
Broadcaster and longtime friend Gyles Brandreth recounted their final meeting with a chuckle, remembering a cheeky conversation about sex on the back of a bus.
“Whenever I think of Jilly Cooper, I think of one word—a three-letter word: fun. Fun. Fun. Fun,” he said. “Champagne is being popped in heaven today.”
Other friends shared their admiration as well.
Alan Titchmarsh, who counted Dame Jilly as a friend for 40 years, described her as “hugely genuine” and jokingly noted, “Her only failing was her appalling hand drawing.”
Irish actress Victoria Smurfit called her “a ray of sunshine,” reflecting on nearly four decades of being inspired by Jilly’s voice and stories.
Sir Derek Jacobi also paid tribute, calling her a “glorious lady” whom he loved and missed dearly.
A Literary Life Remembered
Dame Jilly Cooper became synonymous with steamy novels full of scandal, love, and intrigue.
Her Rutshire Chronicles, including titles like Riders, Rivals, and Polo, were beloved for their portrayal of the high-society British lifestyle.
Rivals, set in the 1980s Cotswolds, was recently brought to life on screen, introducing her characters to a new generation.
Her creation Rupert Campbell-Black, partly inspired by Parker-Bowles, remains one of the most iconic figures in British literature.
Her works weren’t limited to novels.
Several were adapted for television, including The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous, starring Stephen Billington and Hugh Bonneville, and the Riders series in the 1990s.
She also created the 1970s sitcom It’s Awfully Bad for Your Eyes, which featured Dame Joanna Lumley.
Her last novel, Tackle!, was published in 2023, typed on her cherished manual typewriter, Monica.
Tragic Passing and Lasting Legacy
Dame Jilly’s death followed a fall at her home in Bisley, Gloucestershire.
She was found alert but with a severe headache, and subsequent scans revealed a catastrophic skull fracture.
Despite medical efforts, her condition worsened overnight, and she passed away surrounded by loved ones.
This followed two previous falls, one in 2018 and another just months before her final accident in 2024.
She is survived by her children, Felix and Emily, and leaves behind a body of work that continues to inspire readers around the world.
Recognized for her contributions to literature and charity, Dame Jilly was appointed CBE in 2018 and made a dame in 2024—a moment she described as “orgasmic.”
As friends, fans, and royalty gathered in London, it was clear that Dame Jilly Cooper’s vivacious spirit, wit, and literary brilliance will live on far beyond her years.
The celebration of her life reminded everyone that she was more than an author—she was a force of nature, a mentor, and, above all, fun.
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