Queen Camilla Pays Tribute to Jilly Cooper on Disney+ Rivals Set

The Queen recently paid a heartfelt visit to the cast and crew of the Disney+ series Rivals, a dramatization of her dear friend Dame Jilly Cooper’s famous book. This visit to the studios in Bristol was organized in honor of Dame Jilly, who sadly passed away in October. The Queen expressed her deep sadness at her absence, mentioning how much she missed her presence in her life for so many years.

During the tour, the Queen met with Dame Jilly’s son, Felix Cooper, and daughter Emily Tarrant, sharing fond memories of Dame Jilly. The Queen also spoke with the show’s writer and producer, Dominic Treadwell-Collins, who was a close friend of Dame Jilly, expressing her sorrow at her friend’s passing. Rivals is set in the 1980s against the beautiful backdrop of the Cotswolds countryside, exploring the intertwined worlds of TV, careers, and relationships.

Among the talented cast members introduced to the Queen were David Tennant, Victoria Smurfit, Alex Hassell, Bella Maclean, and Nafessa Williams, who enjoyed a relaxed tea time chat with her. The visit was filled with reminiscing about Dame Jilly and lighthearted conversations about the novels she used to gift the Queen and characters that were a favorite among the men on set.

The Queen shared her love for Jilly’s novels and the joy they brought, mentioning how laughter and good fun are essential for lifting spirits. She expressed anticipation for the upcoming second series of Rivals, which is set to premiere in 2026 with an extended 12-episode run. The second series promises to delve deeper into the world of TV mogul Lord Tony Baddingham, played by David Tennant, and the thrilling drama that unfolds.

Before bidding farewell, the Queen was presented with a special gift bag themed around Dame Jilly Cooper, featuring various memorabilia like an embroidered cushion and mugs showcasing Rivals and the Rutshire world. The visit was a heartfelt tribute to a remarkable author and friend who touched the lives of many. It was a poignant moment of reflection and celebration of Dame Jilly’s enduring legacy in the world of literature and entertainment.