A host of stars from film, television, and theatre gathered at Westminster Abbey in central London to honour the life of Oscar-winning director Sir Richard Attenborough, who died last August at the age of 90. The service of thanksgiving featured a dazzling congregation including his brother, Sir David Attenborough, and actors such as Sir Ben Kingsley, Sir Michael Caine, and Dame Judi Dench.
During the ceremony, Sir David Attenborough read an extract from Lord Attenborough’s 1994 maiden speech, which began with a line that drew chuckles from the congregation: “I have it on the best authority – from a not too distant relative – that we are related to apes.” After reading the passage, which included the words “the arts are not a luxury” but “are for everyone,” Sir David added: “My brother lived by his words.”
The dean of Westminster, the Very Rev Dr John Hall, opened the service by calling Lord Attenborough “a truly great man” and “a pioneer film-maker, an exemplary leader of his profession.” Readings were also given by Sir Ben Kingsley and actor Tom Hiddleston. In his address, Lord Puttnam described Attenborough as “gifted, loyal, tenacious, but also deeply sensitive,” recalling a meeting with Margaret Thatcher where Attenborough cheekily replied to the prime minister, “Because you never asked me, darling.”
Among the other attendees were footballer Gianfranco Zola, model Twiggy, actors Katherine Kelly and Sanjeev Bhaskar, and politicians including Ed Balls and Yvette Cooper. The congregation included many who had worked with Attenborough, who championed British cinema and won eight Oscars for Gandhi. Sir Michael Caine called the service “brilliant”, while Dame Judi Dench said it was “absolutely perfect”. Lord Attenborough’s career highlights included acting in Jurassic Park and directing Gandhi.
