Dame Jilly Cooper, a friend of Queen Camilla's, has passed away unexpectedly at the age of 88. The much-loved author was friends with the Queen, and they spent time together at Chatsworth last month for the Queen’s Reading Room Festival.

After her agent announced her death, Dame Jilly's children Felix and Emily said in a statement : "Mum, was the shining light in all of our lives. Her love for all of her family and friends knew no bounds. Her unexpected death has come as a complete shock. We are so proud of everything she achieved in her life and can’t begin to imagine life without her infectious smile and laughter all
around us."

The Queen was a huge fan of her books, and Dame Jilly even based one of her characters on Camilla's ex-husband, Andrew Parker Bowles. He was the inspiration behind lothario Rupert Campbell-Black in her hit novel, Rivals, which has now become a Disney TV series.

The Queen is understood to have adored the show, which includes steamy scenes, and was sent an advanced preview of the TV adaptation.

Last year, the author was made a Dame for services to literature and charity. At the time she said she was inundated with congratulatory letters and cards, including one from her royal friend.

“Among my favourite messages was a beautiful card from Queen Camilla," she said. "I also received a lovely telephone call from her former husband Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles, who has helped me with so many of my books. And darling Dame Joanna Lumley, who starred in a TV series I wrote many years ago."

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