Farewell to national treasure Dame Jilly Cooper, aged 88

The beloved author of the Rutshire Chronicles died after a fall, having sold over 11 million books around the world

- ELEANOR JONES

TRIBUTES have flooded in to national treasure Dame Jilly Cooper, who has died aged 88.

Felix and Emily, children of the beloved author, said their mother, who died after a fall on 5 October, was "the shining light in all of our lives".

“Her love for all of her family and friends knew no bounds,” they said. “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.”

Lifelong horse lover Jilly is best known for her Rutshire Chronicles series, starring the dashing Rupert Campbell-Black, but she wrote 44 books in total, selling over 11 million copies around the world.

“The privilege of my career has been working with a woman who has defined culture, writing and conversation,” said her agent and friend Felicity Blunt.