David Hockney's funeral took place with just two guests in attendance, in strict accordance with his wishes. The renowned British artist died peacefully at home on June 11, shortly before his 89th birthday.
Intimate Funeral Service
Before his death, Hockney insisted his funeral be a small and intimate affair. Only his partner JP and great nephew Richard were present to pay their respects. Publicist Erica Bolton confirmed in a statement that the funeral had 'already taken place' as Hockney desired.
“As we have already received so many inquiries about David Hockney’s funeral arrangements and memorials, we would like to clarify that it was David’s clear wish that his funeral should be attended only by his partner, JP, and his great nephew Richard; and that their privacy would be respected,” Bolton said.
Memorial Services Planned
The statement added that memorial services celebrating Hockney's work will be held in London, Yorkshire, Paris, and Los Angeles next year. “We have been overwhelmed by your tributes which have meant so much to us and we wanted to thank you,” Bolton added.
Celebrated Career
Hockney's career spanned seven decades, producing iconic works such as The Splash, A Bigger Splash, Portrait Of An Artist (Pool With Two Figures), My Parents, and Mr And Mrs Clark And Percy.
King Charles Pays Tribute
Following his death, King Charles expressed sadness, calling Hockney a “giant of the world of art and painting” who will be “sorely missed.” In a message from Buckingham Palace, Charles said: “My wife and I were greatly saddened to learn of the death of David Hockney, a giant of the world of art and painting, a Yorkshireman through and through, and a dear friend and inspiration to so many.”
The King hosted Hockney on multiple occasions, including a 2022 Order of Merit luncheon where Hockney wore a suit with bright yellow rubber shoes. Charles referenced this, saying: “David was one of life’s true originals; one who wore his genius as lightly as those beloved yellow Crocs of his that helped brighten Palace occasions. I trust they will see him tread safely into the hereafter as we mourn a man whose irrepressible charm, talent and constant innovation will be most sorely missed, but whose dazzling creativity lives on in galleries and museums around the world.”
Relationship with Royalty
Hockney shared a warm relationship with the King, with a mutual appreciation of art. Hockney recalled in a 2025 Times interview that Charles visited him, but he “didn’t offer to paint him” because his portraits are better when he knows the subject “really well.”
The artist refused a knighthood in the 1990s but was appointed to the Order of the Companions of Honour in 1997 and the Order of Merit in 2012 by the late Queen.
