The literary world and admirers of British popular fiction are preparing to pay tribute to one of its most beloved figures, as a memorial service is announced to celebrate the life and work of Dame Jilly Cooper.
A Gathering of Friends and Family in London
Southwark Cathedral in central London will host the commemorative event, where Dame Jilly's close friends, family members, and literary colleagues are expected to gather in her honour. The author, who was made a dame in 2024, passed away unexpectedly in October at the age of 88, following injuries sustained from a fall.
An Iconic Literary Career
Dame Jilly Cooper was renowned for her captivating and often scandalous fiction novels that delved into the intricacies of upper-class society, with themes of romance, adultery, and social intrigue. Her most famous works include the immensely popular titles Riders, Rivals, and Polo, which form part of her celebrated series, The Rutshire Chronicles.
The novel Rivals, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Cotswolds countryside during the 1980s, was recently transformed into an award-winning television series on Disney+. The adaptation featured a stellar cast including David Tennant, Alex Hassell, Emily Atack, and Danny Dyer, bringing Cooper's vivid characters to a new generation of viewers.
Characters and Royal Connections
One of Cooper's most memorable creations, the charismatic seducer and showjumper Rupert Campbell-Black, who features prominently throughout The Rutshire Chronicles, is widely believed to have been partly inspired by the Queen's former husband, Andrew Parker Bowles. This connection to royal circles highlights the author's keen observation of British society.
Camilla, the Queen, once described Dame Jilly as a "wonderfully witty and compassionate friend" and hailed her as a true "legend" in the world of writing. This royal endorsement underscores the high esteem in which she was held both personally and professionally.
Television Adaptations and Sitcom Success
Beyond her novels, Dame Jilly's influence extended to television, with several of her works adapted for the screen:
- An ITV series of The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous, starring Coronation Street's Stephen Billington and Downton Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville.
- A Riders series during the 1990s featuring Marcus Gilbert in a leading role.
- The 1970s sitcom It's Awfully Bad For Your Eyes, which showcased the talents of Dame Joanna Lumley.
Later Works and Honours
Even in her later years, Dame Jilly remained prolific, publishing the hit novel Mount! and her most recent work, Tackle!, in 2023. Remarkably, she composed these works on her cherished manual typewriter, affectionately named Monica, demonstrating her enduring commitment to traditional methods.
Her contributions to literature and charity were formally recognised with a CBE in the 2018 New Year Honours, followed by her damehood in 2024. She famously described receiving the honour from King Charles as "orgasmic", capturing her unfiltered and joyful personality.
Dame Jilly Cooper is survived by her two children, Felix and Emily, who will undoubtedly be among those remembering her extraordinary life and legacy at the forthcoming memorial service.
