Joanna Lumley has disclosed that Princess Margaret served as the inspiration for her iconic character Patsy Stone in the hit comedy series Absolutely Fabulous. The 75-year-old actress recounted a backstage encounter with the late royal in 1986 that left a lasting impression.
Speaking at a launch event for her book A Queen For All Seasons, Lumley described how Princess Margaret, then 55, defied theatre rules by producing a small bottle of whisky and a cigarette from her handbag. 'She became a prototype for Patsy,' Lumley said, as reported by The Sun.
The actress also cited David Bowie's former girlfriend Amanda Lear as another influence on the chain-smoking, hard-drinking fashion editor. Absolutely Fabulous originally aired from 1992 to 1995, with subsequent revivals and a 2016 film adaptation.
In a separate anecdote, Lumley recalled a tense moment with Princess Anne at a charity event. After taking a chocolate biscuit before the royal, she noticed Anne's disapproving look and promptly returned it. 'She gave me a bit of a look,' Lumley admitted.
