Dame Penelope Keith's funeral, described as "deeply moving," was held on Tuesday as famous faces and fans lined the streets for a final goodbye. The beloved actress, known for roles in The Good Life and To The Manor Born, died "peacefully whilst living with cancer at her home" on June 29.
Hundreds line streets in Surrey
Hundreds of people lined the streets of Milford near Godalming, Surrey, as the cortege passed through the village where she lived for many years. She supported many local charities and played an active part in village life.
Witley & Milford parish councillor Maxine Gale said the procession began just before 10am and travelled past "all the shops where so many of us used to see her." She reportedly urged locals to say "goodbye to a very special lady."
Stars pay respects at Guildford Cathedral
High-profile stars attended the funeral at Guildford Cathedral. This Morning's Gyles Brandreth wrote on social media: "I'm on my way to Guildford Cathedral for the funeral of Dame Penelope Keith - a wonderful actress and a lovely person, funny and wise and kind."
He added in a follow-up tweet: "There was laughter and tears at Guildford Cathedral this morning - a truly beautiful and deeply moving funeral service for Dame Penelope Keith - what a lady and what a perfect service. It caught her completely. She was very special."
Former Prime Minister John Major also attended, along with actors Robert Lindsay (My Family) and Neil Pearson (Drop The Dead Donkey).
Family statement and final TV appearance
Her family said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened to announce that Dame Penelope Keith died peacefully whilst living with cancer at her home in Surrey where she had lived for more than 50 years. The family is grateful for the care and support she received throughout her treatments, and ask that their privacy be respected at this time."
One of her last TV appearances was in October 2025, fronting The Good Life: Inside Out on U&Gold, looking back on the sitcom's success.
