Dame Maggie Smith was once invited to a posh sleepover at Windsor Castle (Image: Getty)
Dame Maggie Smith was once among a VIP group of guests who were invited to a very posh sleepover with the late and at .During the Easter period in 2015, , with privileged guests enjoying a meal before staying the night.Dame Maggie was among around 20 guests, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney. Previous events have seen other actors in attendance such as and Helena Bonham Carter.The late Queen traditionally hosted these events every year during Easter Court, which is the period when she took up residence at Windsor Castle from March to April and also hosted several investiture ceremonies.Guests would normally arrive for dinner and view items from the royal collection, stay overnight and depart after breakfast. Her Majesty and before they bedded down for the night.
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Queen Elizabeth II with Dame Maggie Smith and Dame Judie Dench (Image: Getty)
A legend of British stage and screen, actor Dame Maggie Smith was best known for her roles in the and Downton Abbey and she won two Oscars during her career – for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and California Suite in 1979., and a statement from her sons read: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.”
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.
“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.”
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Guests reportedly would have a tour of the castle before heading to bed (Image: Getty)
Smith spent seven decades delighting audiences of all ages with starring roles on TV, in films and countless stage productions. She cut her teeth in theater in the 1950s, ultimately winning the 1990 Best Actress in a Play Tony Award for her starring role in Lettice and Lovage.That same year, Smith was honored by Queen Elizabeth II for her “contribution to the arts,” with the monarch bestowing her with the title of Dame.She was also made a Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour for her services to drama in the late Queen’s birthday honours in 2014. The title is given to men and women for recognised services of national importance. Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens who are also both actors.