In a heartfelt tribute to the late Dame Jilly Cooper, Queen Camilla joined an array of notable figures at a memorial service held at Southwark Cathedral in London. The service, which took place on Friday morning, celebrated the life and legacy of the beloved author who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 88 in October 2025 following an accident. Dame Jilly, renowned for her best-selling novels such as *Riders* and *Rivals*, left an indelible mark on the literary world.
A Gathering of Friends and Admirers
As guests gathered to honour Dame Jilly, Queen Camilla was greeted warmly by the Very Reverend Mark Oakley, the Dean of Southwark. The ceremony featured a touching display, including a photograph of the author alongside a dog—an homage to her love for animals. In his eulogy, Dean Oakley described her as a person with a “champagne soul,” highlighting her vivacious spirit and the joy she brought to those around her. He remarked, “Full of light, she lit up places and people, a collage of rare humane qualities.”
The Queen had previously expressed her admiration for Dame Jilly, referring to her as a “wonderfully witty and compassionate friend” and a “legend” who effectively pioneered a unique genre of literature.
Celebrating a Literary Icon
Dame Jilly’s literary career was marked by the success of *The Rutshire Chronicles*, which began with *Riders* in 1985, capturing the lives and scandals of the affluent equestrian community. The sequel, *Rivals*, published in 1988, reached a new audience following its adaptation into a popular Disney+ series in 2024. Queen Camilla herself visited the cast and crew during the filming of the show’s second season last month, reflecting the ongoing impact of Dame Jilly’s work.
During the memorial service, actors Alex Hassell and Bella Maclean, both from *Rivals*, read excerpts from the novel, while Dame Joanna Lumley shared a passage from *Common Years*, an anthology of Dame Jilly’s diary entries. The author’s literary contributions have resonated with millions, with sales exceeding 11 million copies within the UK alone.
Personal Tributes from Friends
Among the attendees were several of Dame Jilly’s close friends and colleagues. Actor Stanley Tucci, who arrived with Dame Jilly’s literary agent Felicity Blunt, described her as an extraordinary person whose writing transformed the lives of many. “She was a brilliant writer, nice person and naughty,” he noted. Felicity Blunt expressed her admiration for the novelist, describing her as “emotionally intelligent” and “fantastically generous.”
Long-time friend Alan Titchmarsh conveyed that the service was a meaningful opportunity to express gratitude for Dame Jilly’s life. He referred to her as “hugely genuine” and lamented the loss of a great friend. Fellow broadcaster Gyles Brandreth summed up the spirit of the occasion, honouring Dame Jilly’s life with the words, “Champagne is being popped in heaven today.”
Legacy of a Beloved Author
Dame Jilly Cooper was celebrated not only for her literary achievements but also for her contributions to charity, having been appointed CBE in 2018 and later receiving the title of Dame in 2024. Her children, Felix and Emily, reflected on her profound impact, stating, “We are so proud of everything she achieved in her life and can’t begin to imagine life without her infectious smile and laughter all around us.”
The memorial service was attended by a host of distinguished guests, including Queen Camilla’s former husband, Andrew Parker Bowles, and prominent figures from the media and entertainment sectors, all coming together to pay their respects to a remarkable woman.
Why it Matters
Dame Jilly Cooper’s legacy as a pioneering novelist continues to resonate, demonstrating the power of storytelling to connect and inspire. Her ability to blend humour with poignant observations of human relationships has left an enduring influence on both readers and writers alike. The memorial service not only celebrated her life but also underscored the importance of community and friendship in times of loss, reminding us of the lasting impact one individual can have on the world.
