The death of Dame Maggie Smith this week at the age of 89 has sparked an outpouring of grief, with King Charles the latest to pay tribute.
Yesterday, a statement revealed the Harry Potter and Downton Abbey star died “peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September”.
A message from her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin said: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.
Dame Maggie Smith dies
“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.
She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning.
“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.
“We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
Tributes from fans have poured in on social media.
One person said: “A painful loss. An eternal talent. RIP Dame Maggie Smith.”
Another wrote: “Oh no Maggie Smith. What an unbelievable icon. Incredible actor. Trailblazer. Legend. Go well. What a legacy.”
Meanwhile, someone else added: “There will never be another Dame Maggie Smith.”
Maggie was best known for her incredible roles as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise and Violet Crawley in Downton abbey.
She won two Oscars during her career – one for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and another for California Suite in 1979.
King Charles pays tribute
Beloved by the royal family, Maggie received her Damehood from Queen Elizabeth II in 1990.
King Charles also shared a tribute, posted via Instagram.
In it, he said: “My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dame Maggie Smith. As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances and her warmth and wit that shone through both on and off the stage.”
He signed off “Charles R” and included a picture of himself laughing with the actress.
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