Friends, colleagues, and admirers of the late literary icon Dame Jilly Cooper gathered in central London on Friday morning for a poignant memorial service celebrating her remarkable life and career. The service of thanksgiving took place at the historic Southwark Cathedral, bringing together notable figures from the entertainment world to honour the author who passed away unexpectedly last October at the age of 88.
A Star-Studded Gathering
Among the early arrivals at the cathedral were several prominent actors connected to adaptations of Cooper's work. Alex Hassell, who stars in the Disney+ adaptation of Rivals, attended alongside his wife Emma King. Also present were fellow Rivals star Katherine Parkinson, actress Lisa Maxwell, and comedian Helen Lederer, creating a gathering that reflected Cooper's significant impact on British culture across multiple decades.
Literary Legacy of Scandal and Society
Dame Jilly Cooper was renowned for her steamy fiction novels that explored themes of scandal, adultery, and the intricate social dynamics of upper-class society. Her most famous works include Riders, Rivals, and Polo, which form part of the beloved Rutshire Chronicles series that captivated millions of readers worldwide.
The recent television adaptation of Rivals has introduced her work to a new generation, with the award-winning Disney+ series set against the backdrop of 1980s Cotswolds countryside and featuring performances by David Tennant, Alex Hassell, Emily Atack, and Danny Dyer.
Royal Connections and Cultural Impact
Cooper's fictional creation Rupert Campbell-Black, the charismatic seducer and showjumper who appears throughout The Rutshire Chronicles, is said to be partially inspired by the Queen's former husband Andrew Parker Bowles. This connection to royal circles underscores Cooper's unique position within British cultural life.
Queen Camilla previously described the author as a "wonderfully witty and compassionate friend" and a true writing "legend," highlighting the personal relationships Cooper maintained alongside her professional achievements.
Adaptations Across Media
Beyond the recent Rivals success, numerous other Cooper novels have been adapted for television over the years. These include an ITV series of The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous featuring Coronation Street star Stephen Billington and Downton Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville, as well as a 1990s adaptation of Riders starring Marcus Gilbert.
Cooper's creative talents extended beyond novels to television writing, most notably with the 1970s sitcom It's Awfully Bad For Your Eyes starring Dame Joanna Lumley, demonstrating her versatility across different media formats.
Later Career and Recognition
Even in her later years, Cooper remained creatively active, publishing the hit novel Mount! and her most recent work Tackle! in 2023. Remarkably, she continued to write on her trusty manual typewriter named Monica, maintaining a traditional approach to her craft in an increasingly digital age.
Her contributions to literature and charity were formally recognised with a CBE in the 2018 New Year Honours, followed by a damehood in 2024. Cooper memorably described receiving this honour from King Charles as "orgasmic," capturing the irreverent spirit that characterised both her personality and her writing.
Dame Jilly Cooper is survived by her two children, Felix and Emily, who continue her legacy. The memorial service at Southwark Cathedral served as a fitting tribute to an author whose work captured the imagination of multiple generations while providing insightful, entertaining commentary on British society.
