Dame Joanna Lumley declared herself "elated and full of champagne" following a poignant memorial service held in honour of the late Dame Jilly Cooper. The service of thanksgiving took place at Southwark Cathedral in London on Friday morning, drawing a distinguished congregation to celebrate the life of the beloved author.
A Cathedral Filled with Adoration
The event saw The Queen, alongside the cast of the hit television adaptation Rivals, and a host of other notable figures gather to pay their respects. Dame Jilly Cooper passed away unexpectedly in October at the age of 88, following injuries sustained from a fall.
Lumley's Heartfelt Reflections
Speaking to the Press Association outside the cathedral, Dame Joanna Lumley shared her profound impressions of the ceremony. "It was absolutely beautiful," she remarked. "It was very touching, sometimes very funny, just sometimes very moving and very beautiful. I think everything she would have loved, and it just reminded you of how hugely she's being missed."
She elaborated on the overwhelming sentiment within the cathedral, noting, "I think what moved me most in the service was just the sheer adoration in that great stuffed cathedral. Every single seat was taken, and everybody was there because they knew Jilly."
Celebrating an Extraordinary Life
Lumley painted a vivid portrait of Cooper's character, stating, "She was adored because she was adorable. She never had a hard or horrid word to say about anybody. She treated everything as thrilling and exciting as chance. She loved everybody, and everybody loved her back. She loved life, she loved nature. She was an optimist. She was an extraordinary woman."
Despite the loss, Lumley highlighted the enduring legacy left behind. "The great thing is that although she's gone, we've got all her books and we've got her television shows and we've got her still alive amongst us," she affirmed, underscoring the lasting impact of Cooper's work.
When queried about her personal feelings post-service, Dame Joanna Lumley's response was characteristically effusive: "Elated and full of champagne." This candid remark encapsulated the celebratory and affectionate tone of the memorial, honouring a life lived with joy and generosity.
