Friends, family, and notable figures from the entertainment world gathered in central London on Friday morning for a poignant memorial service celebrating the extraordinary life of Dame Jilly Cooper. The service, held at the historic Southwark Cathedral, honoured the beloved author who passed away unexpectedly in October at the age of 88 following injuries sustained from a fall.
A Star-Studded Gathering of Admirers
Among the early arrivals at the cathedral were several stars from the recent award-winning Disney+ television adaptation of Cooper's novel Rivals. Actors Alex Hassell, who arrived with his wife Emma King, Aidan Turner, Danny Dyer, and Katherine Parkinson were all present to pay their respects. The presence of these performers underscored the lasting impact of Cooper's work on contemporary culture and its successful transition from page to screen.
Heartfelt Tributes from Close Friends
Dame Jilly's literary agent, Felicity Blunt, arrived alongside her husband, the acclaimed actor Stanley Tucci. Tucci offered moving words to the assembled media, stating, "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." Blunt herself carried a tote bag emblazoned with the affectionate message "I love Jilly Cooper," a simple yet powerful testament to their personal and professional bond.
The guest list reflected the wide-reaching appeal of Cooper's work, extending beyond the literary and acting worlds. Former England football captain Tony Adams, actress Lisa Maxwell, and comedian Helen Lederer were also among those in attendance, highlighting the author's broad cultural influence.
The Legacy of a Literary Phenomenon
Jilly Cooper was renowned for her bestselling, steamy fiction novels that masterfully explored themes of scandal, romance, and adultery within Britain's upper-class society. Her most famous works include Riders, Rivals, and Polo, which form part of the iconic Rutshire Chronicles series. The recent television adaptation of Rivals, set in the 1980s Cotswolds and starring David Tennant and Emily Atack, brought her stories to a new generation and earned critical acclaim.
Her fictional creation, the charismatic seducer and showjumper Rupert Campbell-Black, is famously rumoured to be partly inspired by the Queen's former husband, Andrew Parker Bowles. This blend of sharp social observation and playful mischief defined her writing. Queen Camilla herself once described Cooper as a "wonderfully witty and compassionate friend" and a true "legend" of literature.
A Prolific Career Across Media
Cooper's creative output was remarkably diverse. Several of her novels were adapted for television, including an ITV series of The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous and a 1990s adaptation of Riders. She also authored the 1970s sitcom It's Awfully Bad For Your Eyes, which starred Dame Joanna Lumley. Remarkably, she continued writing late into her life, publishing her final novel, Tackle!, in 2023 on her cherished manual typewriter named Monica.
Her contributions were formally recognised with a CBE in the 2018 New Year Honours for services to literature and charity, followed by a damehood in 2024. She famously described receiving the honour from King Charles as "orgasmic," capturing the irreverent and joyful spirit for which she was loved. Dame Jilly Cooper is survived by her two children, Felix and Emily, who continue her legacy.
