King Charles pays tribute to 'national treasure' Dame Maggie Smith as actress dies aged 89
King Charles pays tribute to 'national treasure' Dame Maggie Smith as actress dies aged 89
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King Charles has paid tribute to "national treasure" Dame Maggie Smith, as the actress has died at the age of 89.
The monarch issued the following statement: "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." Charles R.
The actress was best known for her roles in the Harry Potter film franchise, Downton Abbey and a wide range of other on-screen projects.
King Charles pays tribute to 'national treasure' Dame Maggie Smith as actress dies aged 89PAToby Stephens and Chris Larkin, Smith's sons, confirmed the sad news in a heartfelt statement.
They issued the following statement: "It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.
"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.
King Charles greeting Dame Maggie Smith in 2016
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"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 far and wide have flooded in following the news.
Gyles Brandreth was one famous face to pay tribute as he penned on X: "The saddest news: the death of Dame Maggie Smith marks the end of a golden era & a quite extraordinary life.
Dame Maggie Smith being made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour by Queen Elizabeth II in 2014
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Dame Maggie Smith and Queen Elizabeth II photographed in 1966
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"She was a truly great actress, 'one of the greats' & simply the best company: wise, witty, waspish, wonderful. One of a kind in every way & consequently irreplaceable."
GB News presenter Sophie Reaper echoed: "RIP Dame Maggie Smith. 1934-2024. Devastated doesn’t even begin to describe it. Such a loss."
Fans followed suit, with one writing on the social media site: "Sad to see the iconic true mega star Dame Maggie Smith has died. If you’ve never watched Lady In The Van - go watch and be prepared for laughs and tears. RIP you talented lady."
And a second fan also weighed in: "Maggie smith, 89 years old, will never be forgotten; genuinely one of the women i aspired to be when i was growing up and still is - heartbroken for this worlds loss of her."