Princess Diana’s brother has disclosed a touching personal link to the legendary novelist author Dame Jilly Cooper, who died earlier this week.
Earl Charles Spencer posted on social media that Dame Jilly frequently visited The Falconry during her youth, as her uncle served as estate agent to his grandfather.
Charles shared this revelation whilst posting a photograph of the historic building on the day Dame Jilly passed away.
The 1613 structure, originally constructed for royal hawking entertainment, later housed estate agents including the author’s uncle.
The Earl also resided at The Falconry himself until taking over Althorp House in 1992.
Just days before the tragic death of the author, Charles shared an image of the building on a crisp early morning as low fog hung around it.
“The Falconry, built for one week’s royal entertainment in 1613: it served as a weatherproof platform for ladies to watch the men flying their hawks in the Park,” his caption began.
“I had the privilege of living here before inheriting @althorphouse in 1992,” he continued.
Earl Charles Spencer shared an intriguing family connection to the late novelist Dame Jilly Cooper
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Charles concluded: “Before that it was where the Estate’s resident land agents lived. (The author Jilly Cooper often stayed here as a girl, as her uncle was my grandfather’s agent.).”
While the Earl did not issue a more explicit tribute to Dame Jilly following her death, Queen Camilla shared a touching message after the news was announced.
The Queen celebrated that the novelist achieved legendary status during her lifetime, establishing an entirely new literary genre across five decades.
“I was so saddened to learn of Dame Jilly’s death last night,” her statement began.
The Earl revealed that Dame Jilly had stayed in Althorp estate’s falconry when she was young
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“Very few writers get to be a legend in their own lifetime but Jilly was one, creating a whole new genre of literature and making it her own through a career that spanned over five decades.
“In person she was a wonderfully witty and compassionate friend to me and so many – and it was a particular pleasure to see her just a few weeks ago at my Queen’s Reading Room Festival where she was, as ever, a star of the show.
“I join my husband The King in sending our thoughts and sympathies to all her family.
“And may her hereafter be filled with impossibly handsome men and devoted dogs. Camilla R,” the Queen signed off.
Queen Camilla also issued a touching tribute to the late novelist
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The Queen and Dame Jilly maintained a decades-long friendship, both residing in Gloucestershire where their social circles frequently overlapped.
Their relationship flourished through shared passions for literature, countryside pursuits and animals, particularly dogs.
Associates characterised their bond as authentic and filled with humour, with Dame Jilly frequently commending the Queen’s unpretentious character.
The friendship deepened through the Queen’s Reading Room initiative, which the novelist enthusiastically championed.