Dame Maggie Smith, a jewel in the crown of British acting royalty, was commemorated at a private ceremony in Richmond on Monday. The esteemed actress, whose illustrious career included iconic roles such as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, the imperious Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey, and an unforgettable portrayal in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, sadly died on September 27, aged 89.
Her death was announced by her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens.
In their heartfelt tribute, they shared: “She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
The family also publicly acknowledged their deep appreciation for the care provided by Chelsea and Westminster Hospital: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.”
They continued with a plea for privacy amid their mourning: “We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
The intimate service, attended by family, friends, and close colleagues, celebrated the life of the Oscar-winning actress.
In an emotional gathering on Monday at Mortlake Crematorium in Richmond, south London, friends and colleagues convened at 4pm to honour a life “richly lived”.
One mourner told Mail Online: “Such a beautiful goodbye to Maggie Smith today. It was warm and funny and full of love and brilliant eulogies, with the best hymns being belted out by all. It was poignant but not sad because hers was a life so richly lived.”
“I knew her because of Robert’s decades of working with her but I adored her. Molly was traumatised when she first met her as she knew her as the terrifying housekeeper Mrs Medlock in The Secret Garden! Maggie was as funny and sharp as it gets. One of the greats.”
The order of service featured a poignant tribute to the late actress, with a childhood photo of Dame Maggie on the front, and a later image of her smiling on the back.
The memorial card read, “In loving memory of Dame Margaret Natalie Smith.”
The legendary actress died at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, after a prolonged illness.
Although she was born in east London, Dame Maggie spent her final years in West Sussex.
Maggie left an indelible mark in the world of film after establishing herself on the stage.
Her silver screen journey started with a bit part in Child in the House back in 1956, leading swiftly to her breakthrough in Nowhere to Go, which earned her initial BAFTA acclaim.
The sombre occasion saw heartfelt tributes pour in, including from King Charles, who expressed that he was “deeply saddened” and Daniel Radcliffe of Harry Potter fame, who shared the screen with her from the BBC‘s David Copperfield right up to the globally-renowned wizarding series, and was reportedly left “heartbroken” by the news.