Queen pays respect to longstanding friend Dame Jilly Cooper at memorial | UK News

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The Queen was among a list of well-known faces who paid their respects to Dame Jilly Cooper at a memorial in London on Friday.

The legendary author died unexpectedly in October at the age of 88 from injuries sustained from a fall.

On Friday, stars from the film, sport and literary worlds turned out to pay their respects.

Arsenal legend Tony Adams, comedian Helen Lederer and actress Lisa Maxwell were among the first to arrive.

Queen Camilla arrives for a service of thanksgiving for Dame Jilly Cooper.
Pic: PA
Image:
Queen Camilla arrives for a service of thanksgiving for Dame Jilly Cooper.
Pic: PA

Alan Titchmarsh.
Pic: PA
Image:
Alan Titchmarsh.
Pic: PA

Dame Jilly Cooper’s literary agent Felicity Blunt also arrived alongside her husband, actor Stanley Tucci.

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Tucci paid tribute to the late author, telling reporters: « She lived an incredible life.

« She also changed the lives of so many people for the better with her books, my wife being one of them.

« She was an extraordinary person, a brilliant writer, nice person and naughty. »

Rupert Everett.
Pic: PA
Image:
Rupert Everett.
Pic: PA

Lisa Maxwell.
Pic: PA
Image:
Lisa Maxwell.
Pic: PA

David Tennant and Georgia Tennant.
Pic: PA
Image:
David Tennant and Georgia Tennant.
Pic: PA

Blunt wore a tote bag that said « I love Jilly Cooper » on it.

Queen Camilla, a longstanding friend of Cooper’s, wore a blue coat dress to the memorial.

The pair had a close friendship, with the Queen telling a literary festival shortly after her death: « She came to a party here a few years ago where, I hope, she uttered her immortal line, ‘I’m going to get so absolutely plastered tonight, darling. I love you so much, I want to see two of you’.

« Dear Jilly, how we’d love to have seen just one of you here with us today. »