Princess Charlotte Stuns with Harsh Reply to Prince William’s Innocent Query

Princess Charlotte, the daughter of Prince William and Princess Catherine, has revealed her sassy and confident side, in addition to being known for her kindness and popularity. As she matures, it’s becoming clear that Charlotte is growing into a self-assured young lady. 

A few years ago, Prince William shared a hilarious anecdote that showcased Charlotte’s bold personality. In a video posted by Mail Online, he mentioned how Charlotte, who was six years old at the time, would respond to questions about her age by confidently stating she was 16. William added that Charlotte often quipped, “I’m six now, I can do anything I want.” This glimpse into Charlotte’s cheeky nature charmed audiences, giving a lighthearted view of the young royal.

Now, at nine years old, Princess Charlotte continues to blossom into a happy and well-liked young girl. Attending the same school as her brothers—Prince George, aged 11, and Prince Louis, aged 5—Charlotte has made quite the impression. She is praised by her peers for being kind and friendly, further cementing her reputation as a delightful presence at school.

While the public is familiar with her royal title, at school, Charlotte is known simply as “Lottie Wales,” a nickname given to her by friends, which she reportedly loves. It’s also said that she has a strong rapport with students in the lower year groups, often showing kindness and taking on a natural leadership role.

This year, Charlotte has been visible at several high-profile royal events, such as the coronation of King Charles III, Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, and her attendance at Wimbledon, where she was warmly received by the public. During these engagements, Charlotte has often been seen taking charge, particularly when it comes to looking after her younger brothers, demonstrating her growing confidence.

Former BBC Royal journalist Jenny Bond commented on Charlotte’s confident demeanor, stating, “Charlotte strikes me as quite a confident young lady, but with two brothers, she will no doubt be looking to her mother and other women in the family as role models.” Bond also emphasized that as Charlotte grows older, she will likely enjoy more “girly moments” with her mother, especially as she starts to appreciate Catherine’s sense of style.

Princess Catherine, who is regarded as an ideal example of how a senior royal should conduct themselves, undoubtedly provides a strong role model for her daughter. As Charlotte continues to mature, it’s clear she’s not only learning from the best but is also developing her own unique personality that blends both sass and grace.

 

King Charles and Queen Camilla made a memorable appearance together after sending their birthday wishes to Prince Harry for his 40th birthday on Sunday.  After sharing a photo of Harry on their official social media accounts, the 75-year-old monarch and his wife seemed to be in good spirits as they attended a service at Crathie Kirk on their Scottish estate. The royal couple visited Balmoral to support the Prince and Princess of Wales in celebrating the Duke’s milestone. They looked relaxed and peaceful during their outing together. 

Camilla wore a pillbox hat adorned with feathers and a blue blazer featuring Tartan trim, both of which are traditional country attire. King Charles and Queen Camilla were all smiles as they seemingly celebrated the Duke’s special day by stepping out of the Palace.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle enjoyed an outing with their friends around the same time. Later that day, King Charles and Queen Camilla attended church at Balmoral after sending birthday wishes to Prince Harry on social media.

Their Majesties attended the service at Crathie Kirk for Sunday service after joining the Prince and Princess of Wales in sending birthday greetings to Prince Harry earlier in the day.

Camilla was dressed in traditional country clothing, featuring a blue overcoat with plaid trim and a green pillbox hat decorated with feathers. A post from the Royal Family’s account earlier on Sunday marked the first public birthday message for Harry since 2021. The post, shared on X (formerly Twitter), simply read, “Greetings on the Duke of Sussex’s 40th birthday today,” alongside a picture of a smiling Harry and a birthday cake emoji.

Harry, who now lives in California after stepping down from royal duties, celebrated his birthday on Sunday with the Duchess of Sussex and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. He is then expected to gather with close friends for a social event.

Sussex ally Oprah Winfrey recently visited the UK, despite Prince Harry having labeled the country as too dangerous for Meghan Markle. As the queen of talk made her way across the pond, it’s hard not to imagine her reflecting on Harry’s long-standing complaints about security concerns—a saga that’s been unfolding with more drama than a soap opera. 

Back in July, Harry told ITV in an interview that he would never bring his wife back to the UK due to fears for her safety. Currently, he’s fighting to have his automatic police protection reinstated so he can bring his family back in the future. But, ironically, Harry was recently seen parading around New York City with an entourage large enough to rival a small army. Five police cars and a squad of bodyguards trailed him, making it seem as though they were protecting the crown jewels.

But one has to ask—what exactly is Harry so afraid of? Does he genuinely believe someone is plotting against him? Most people would probably shrug and wonder why Harry needs such a massive security detail. His popularity has dipped so far that it’s hard to imagine anyone even bothering to find him. He’s like a faded postcard from a once-glamorous vacation that no one wants to remember.

And let’s not forget the infamous Taliban comments. If Harry could present a legitimate threat on paper, perhaps people would take him seriously. But right now, it’s about as believable as Meghan claiming certain things that make people roll their eyes. Harry seems to have it all figured out—if something were to go wrong, people would assume it was part of some grand plan. Picture this: Meghan, suddenly a widow, cashing in on a hefty inheritance. Can you imagine her playing that angle? “Oh dear world, look how tragic my life is—send money!” You can almost hear the gears turning.

Despite Harry’s complaints, Oprah Winfrey has been enjoying a carefree trip to London. The billionaire talk show host looked completely relaxed, posing for photos on Bond Street this week. Fellow US TV host Gayle King accompanied Oprah on the trip, and the duo was joined by film director Ava DuVernay. Together, they attended the first night of Shakespeare’s *Coriolanus* at the National Theatre, starring actor David Oyelowo.

Oprah’s visit was just another reminder of how out of touch Harry has become. While Winfrey enjoyed her time in the UK, Harry’s ongoing antics continued to embarrass himself and those around him. With each claim he makes, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Harry’s real danger is being left out of the global conversation altogether. Another day, another royal cringe fest.

In a recent interview with *People* magazine on September 19th, Serena Williams took an unexpected jab at her supposed best friend, Meghan

In a recent interview with *People* magazine on September 19th, Serena Williams took an unexpected jab at her supposed best friend, Meghan Markle, by declaring, “My daughter just turned seven; she’s not into princesses, she’s into Taylor Swift.” Now, isn’t that a delightful twist in the royal saga? Taylor Swift, the reigning Queen of Pop and Meghan’s nemesis, has unwittingly become a topic of discussion as Williams casually tossed shade at Meghan.

Serena’s remarks seem to be a not-so-subtle dig at Meghan’s fairytale aspirations, suggesting that the only crown she should be wearing is that of a music-loving mom and not a royal princess. It’s amusing to think that Serena, who has always projected a glamorous image, would suddenly align herself with someone like Meghan, especially when it appears she recognizes the fleeting nature of their connection. Their entire relationship feels somewhat transactional, doesn’t it?

 

Meghan’s friendships tend to evaporate the moment they no longer serve a purpose or provide an upgrade to her social standing. Consider her ties with Jessica Moroney, Trevor Engelson, and even her father, Thomas Markle. Once they lost their value, poof! They vanished faster than Meghan’s credibility. Serena is merely the latest in a long line of opportunistic acquaintances clinging to Meghan’s coattails, but only for as long as it benefits her. 

The notion that Serena and Meghan are besties is laughable. It’s as if Serena thought, “Oh, Meghan married a prince; time to suck up to her—at least for a while.” Their friendship reeks of convenience, much like a shady business partnership rather than a heartfelt bond. They are merely two players in a high-stakes game of celebrity status, with Harry serving as the primary cash cow funding the absurdity.

Interestingly, Serena happily accepted an invitation for Meghan’s podcast, which only adds to the speculation. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift—a shrewd and savvy businesswoman—quickly saw through Meghan’s attempts to latch onto her fame and promptly shut her down. Perhaps Serena and Meghan were busy guzzling champagne while Netflix cameras filmed Harry at a polo match, an event that was anything but ethical given his questionable affinity for horse riding.

Serena’s presence at the soirée is almost laughable, considering her well-publicized advocacy for animal rights. The irony here is delicious! And let’s not forget that Taylor Swift has a soft spot for princesses; she recently snapped a selfie with Princess Charlotte, proving that Serena’s claims of disinterest in the royal lifestyle are about as credible as Meghan’s tales of hardship.

Serena’s complete lack of class was on display during a well-documented debacle at the Peninsula Hotel in Paris, where she was turned away due to the restaurant being fully booked. Instead of gracefully accepting her fate, she took to Twitter to whine about the incident, attempting to bully the staff into submission. It backfired spectacularly, with most people calling her out for being the entitled diva that she truly is.

 

Serena Williams has built her brand on hard work and talent, a sharp contrast to Meghan and Harry, who seem to rely more on their royal titles than on their actual abilities. Their friendship has always felt one-sided, with Meghan appearing far more invested than Serena, who seems indifferent to the whole spectacle. It’s almost painful to watch—like a bad reality show that you can’t look away from. 

At the end of the day, Serena’s comments were emblematic of their relationship: shady and opportunistic. It’s all about maintaining appearances while playing the game of social climbing.

Recent reports suggest that Megan, the Duchess of Sussex, may have failed to fulfill financial obligations to the surrogate who carried her daughter Lilibet. TMZ initially reported in August 2021 that promised medical bills went unpaid, although they later retracted this information. According to YouTube channel Princess Tiffany, the surrogate may have violated a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) due to these alleged unpaid expenses.
An anonymous source claims Megan took advantage of the surrogate, described as an American single mother raising two children with help from her extended family. She asserts that full compensation was not received for carrying Lilibet. This situation goes beyond bad publicity – it threatens to unravel the carefully crafted public image Megan and Harry have built for themselves.

 

Imagine carrying a child for one of the most visible couples in the world, only to feel exploited. Wanting only to be reimbursed for promised expenses, the surrogate now feels more like an undervalued employee than a treasured participant in the birth. While UK law restricts surrogates from profiting beyond a certain point, rules in the US are more complex. Tiffany noted the surrogate may have entered a transactional relationship with inflated expectations that went unmet.
This vulnerable predicament underscores dangers surrogates can face, especially when working with famous individuals. As a self-described feminist advocating female empowerment, accusations against Megan contradict her public persona if true. They depict a woman championing women’s rights who fails to support those assisting her family goals. Reports of unpaid yoga and holistic treatment costs add intrigue to this unfolding drama.

In a world where luxury often overshadows reality, who bears financial responsibility in a surrogacy arrangement? The surrogate’s comments about initially feeling charmed by Megan, only to realize the truth was purely business, echo a troubling narrative of manipulation. She believed this was meaningful, only to feel discarded afterward. This raises questions – has Megan’s charm again created a façade masking her true motivations?
As rumors swirl, speculation intensifies regarding Megan’s credibility. Critics have long doubted the authenticity of her family portrayal, including whether Archie and Lilibet factually exist as presented. A lack of clear photos fuels conspiracy theories that this latest controversy could exacerbate. If the surrogate takes her grievances public, it threatens to shatter Megan’s image as a caring feminist uplifting women.
The legal landscape around surrogacy differs greatly between countries. While the UK restricts financial gain, rules in America allow for complex contractual agreements. Did conflicting regulations contribute to this disagreement? The surrogate reportedly seeking legal fees through a GoFundMe highlights her desperation. If Megan and Harry refuse an out-of-court settlement, this saga threatens to become a public relations disaster.

In an interview, the surrogate expressed feelings of isolation and disappointment, revealing promises made during her pregnancy went unfulfilled. Questions emerge regarding who bears responsibility in such arrangements involving high-profile individuals. With wealth often eclipsing reality, did unrealistic expectations develop without support structures to prevent potential exploitation?
The surrogate’s comments about initially feeling enchanted working with Megan, only to realize the business-like nature, resonate troubling themes of manipulation. She believed this opportunity meaningful and charitable, yet feels discarded. While rumors persist unproven, potential contradictions between Megan’s feminist advocacy and alleged treatment of those assisting her goals raise troubling inferences if accurate.

As speculation circulates, the situation’s resolution remains uncertain. Regardless, even unconfirmed accusations threaten Megan’s meticulously crafted public persona. If the surrogate’s claims advance legally or through media, it risks exposing vulnerabilities the extremely wealthy depend on others to alleviate through altruism, yet accountability remains diffuse. In an increasingly cynical world, relationships between haves and have-nots warrant transparency to prevent perceived transactional transactionalism from overshadowing life-changing experiences like surrogacy.

The excerpt you’re sharing contains claims and conspiracy theories surrounding Meghan Markle, particularly about her pregnancies and her use of a doll during public appearances.

It suggests that during a polo match, Meghan was carrying a highly realistic prop doll, and it goes on to detail other occasions where the behavior around her children has been questioned.

Additionally, the text mentions speculation regarding the use of surrogates for her children and the role of the royal family and the UK government in such matters.

It’s important to approach these types of narratives critically, as they often stem from unverified sources, speculative commentary, or conspiracy theories rather than concrete evidence. Both Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been the subject of intense media scrutiny and public speculation, much of which lacks factual basis.

Public figures, especially members of the royal family, are frequently targets of such rumors, but it’s always advisable to seek credible and reliable sources when engaging with such content.
Speculations Surrounding Meghan Markle’s Pregnancies: A Deep Dive into Controversy

In recent times, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been the subject of renewed scrutiny and conspiracy theories regarding her pregnancies. These rumors have resurfaced amidst news of her and Prince Harry’s reported divorce and their professional struggles following several failed contracts. One particular claim that has gained traction online involves Meghan allegedly using a doll during public appearances, including at a polo match attended by Prince Harry.

The Polo Match Incident
At a polo match in the summer, Meghan was photographed holding what some claim to be a doll, sparking debates across social media. Dressed in a loose, dark green dress, Meghan reportedly carried the “baby” for hours without any signs of typical infant behavior—no crying, movement, or interaction with onlookers. Observers noted that she lacked essential items usually associated with newborn care, such as a stroller or diaper bag, and didn’t engage in routine tasks like feeding or changing the baby. A director, who remained anonymous, later claimed that the “baby” Meghan carried resembled realistic dolls often used as props in films, adding fuel to the rumors.

Speculation About the Use of a Surrogate
Theories about Meghan and Prince Harry possibly using a surrogate for their children, Archie and Lilibet, have circulated since their birth. According to these theories, the royal family may have refrained from revealing the use of a surrogate to protect privacy, as disclosing such information could violate personal medical confidentiality. Additionally, UK laws governing surrogacy state that the birth mother must give consent before legally transferring parental rights, a process that takes several weeks, which could explain why some speculators believe a surrogate was involved.

One claim in particular alleges that the use of a doll during Archie’s public reveal was an attempt to cover up the fact that he was born earlier than announced, making him appear older than a newborn at the time. These speculations often draw on perceived inconsistencies in Archie’s public photos, including claims that he appeared larger than his stated age.

The U.S. Open Appearance
Further rumors were sparked when Meghan attended the U.S. Open in New York City to support her friend Serena Williams. Despite having recently given birth, Meghan was seen traveling without her baby, which some theorists point to as unusual for a mother who claimed to be breastfeeding. During the event, some witnesses described her behavior as odd, with minimal interaction with Serena Williams and her family, adding to the ongoing suspicions about her personal life.

The Role of the Royal Family
Amid these controversies, there has been speculation that the royal family could have intervened to clarify the situation but chose not to. According to some, the royal family may have opted to stay silent to maintain their reputation and avoid becoming embroiled in further controversy. Others believe that the matter falls under the purview of the UK government, which is responsible for ensuring that those in the line of succession meet legal and hereditary requirements.

Conclusion
While Meghan Markle and Prince Harry continue to be at the center of intense media scrutiny, it is essential to remember that much of the speculation surrounding their personal lives remains unverified. Public figures often face harsh judgment and rumors, which can spread quickly, particularly on social media. Regardless of personal opinions or curiosities, it is crucial to approach these topics with caution, relying on credible sources for accurate information.

This version provides a clear, neutral summary of the claims without endorsing or

Harry took to the stage at the Clinton Foundation event on Tuesday in New York and opened up about his kids, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet

Prince Harry provided a glimpse into his family life during an impassioned talk at a high-level panel event in New York on Tuesday, where he appeared alongside ex-president Bill Clinton.

Eager to further the legacy of his mother, Princess Diana, the Duke of Sussex was a prominent attendee at the Clinton Foundation forum, aimed at addressing grave global issues such as the climate crisis, homelessness, and the often-overlooked calamity of lead poisoning.

Amidst his potent oration, Harry shared a seldom-seen slice of personal life, gently touching on how the digital world might impact his little ones, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, expressing: “I stand before you today to speak about the pervasive threat that our online world poses to us, especially our children. If we allow the status quo to remain in an age where our lives are intertwined with technology, we cannot afford to only see the online world as a space for profitability, competition, and rapid growth instead.”

 

Without mincing his words, the Duke delivered a grave message to online platforms, appearing visibly distressed as he declared: “These platforms are designed to create addiction. Young people are kept there by mindless, endless, numbing, scrolling, being force fed content that no child should ever be exposed to. I, like many of you, do not grow up with a phone. Young people today possess an incredible understanding of technology that older generations may struggle to grasp,” reports the Mirror.

Describing the digital world as overwhelmingly dangerous for young users, Harry emphasized that the ongoing mental health crisis among youth is “compounded by the relentless spread of unreliable and unfounded information, leaving many feeling isolated, confused and scared.”

Harry gave a rare glimpse into his life with kids, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
In a stirring segment of his speech, the Duke took out his phone and shared: “My lock screen is a picture of my kids. What’s yours?” Subsequently, a series of personal phone lock screens materialized on the screen behind the Prince, and he continued: “These children and thousands more meant the world to their families. The beautiful faces you see before you, their smiles, their dreams, all lost, all too soon and all because of social media.”

He credited the faces of those lost young lives as the drive behind the inception of the Archewell Foundation’s Parents Network, which aims to provide solace and support to parents dealing with children affected by online dangers.

In a humorous reference to his youthful escapades that drew laughter from the crowd, Harry remarked: “Some say kids will be kids and well, that may well be true. Kids may get into trouble. I know a thing or two about that. But our kids are being targeted. The harmful effects of social media are made by design.”

Harry gave a moving speech about the damaging effects of social media ( 
Image:
Getty Images for Clinton Global)
Harry’s schedule in New York has been packed, as just yesterday he spoke at the Concordia Summit about the Diana Award, a tribute to his late mother, alongside CEO Dr Tessy Ojo.

Reflecting on his mother’s legacy, Harry expressed his belief that she would have been proud of the award and its recipients, who are addressing today’s youth challenges. He praised the winners and Dr Ojo, saying: “I know that my mum would be incredibly proud of you guys, not just you, but all of the winners, and, Tessy you’ve been in this for a very long time so thank you for that as well. But the way that you do it, your activism, your compassion, those two things are so true to how my mom led her life and what she believed in. And the way that you do it is incredible. So thank you.”

Dame Maggie Smith died on Friday, September 27, at the age of 89. She was three months shy of her 90th birthday

Maggie Smith as Professor Minerva McGonagall in Harry Potter (
Image: Videograb/Warner Brothers)

Dame Maggie Smith passed away Friday, September 27, at the age of 89. The iconic actress was just three months short of her 90th birthday. One of her most eclectic roles was playing Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise from 2001 until 2011.

However, in 2007 while she was filming the sixth film in the series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 70s. She later went on to make a full recovery.

Despite the Downton Abbey star not revealing she had the disease until 2009, she still continued to work on set.

 

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph at the time, she said she was undergoing chemotherapy and was a little apprehensive about doing theater performances. “I’m not sure I could go back to theatre work, although film work is more tiring,” she said. “I’m frightened to work in theatre now. I feel very uncertain. I haven’t done it for a while.”

Upon learning she had cancer at her age, the news “knocked her sideways.”

“It kind of takes the wind out of your sails, and I don’t know what the future holds, if anything. I don’t think there’s a lot of it, because of my age — there just isn’t. It’s all been. I’ve no idea what there will be,” she told The Times in 2009.

“I had been feeling a little rum. I didn’t think it was anything serious because years ago I felt a lump and it was benign,” Maggie explained, adding that it took “longer to recover.”

Maggie died on September 27 at the age of 89 ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
During filming Harry Potter, she was hairless and felt “horribly sick” from the chemo, also donning wigs for her character. But she was able to “stagger through the last Harry Potter” because “the cancer was hideous.”

“I don’t know what the future holds, if anything,” Maggie admitted to the Times. “You feel so ghastly, you wouldn’t mind dying a lot of the time. The last couple of years have been a write-off, though I’m beginning to feel like a person now. My energy is coming back.”

Maggie appeared in the Harry Potter franchise from 2001 until 2011 ( 
Image:
PA)

Maggie went on to shoot the last two installments of the wizard fantasy franchise, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Part 2, released in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens released a statement on Friday, confirming the news of her death. “She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September,” it read. “An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end.”

It continued: “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.”

Dame Maggie Smith’s last picture: Beloved star posed for Loewe fashion campaign before her death aged 89

Dame Maggie Smith beamed for the camera in a fashion campaign for Loewe in what would end up being her last photo.

The beloved actress died aged 89 on Friday with her children Chris Larkin, and Die Another Day star Toby Stephens, announcing her passing in a statement.

In October 2023, Maggie was named as the new face of the luxury Spanish fashion house Loewe.

The veteran of stage and screen delighted fans as she posed for a series of striking photographs while modelling the brand.

She beamed down the lens for a second snap where she layered up in a shaggy coat and carried a quirky olive handbag.

It came as the Spanish fashion brand hosted a star-studded runway show on Friday as part of Paris Fashion Week.

The British star was known for prominent roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, and her Academy Award-winning performance in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie.

In a statement announcing her death, Maggie’s sons said: ‘It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital 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.’

Born in Ilford, Essex, on December 28, 1934, she was an internationally recognised actress for much of her life after playing the fanatical teacher Jean Brodie in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie.

She also won over Harry Potter fans later in life, when she appeared in the film series as the quick-witted, kind and formidable Professor McGonagall.

And in 2010 she was central to the success of ITV series Downton Abbey, in her Emmy-award winning role as the acerbic Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, which she continued to play in the films.

Her career of more than half a century brought her recognition almost from the beginning, and she received an early Bafta nod for promising newcomer in 1959 for the crime film Nowhere To Go.

This was followed by Bafta nominations for Young Cassidy in 1966, Death On The Nile in 1979, California Suite in 1980, Quartet in 1982, The Secret Garden in 1994, Tea With Mussolini in 2000, Gosford Park in 2002, and The Lady In The Van in 2016.

She also won best actress gongs for The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie, A Private Function and The Lonely Passion Of Judith Hearne.

Her final roles included The Miracle Club, which follows a group of women from Dublin who go on a pilgrimage to the French town of Lourdes, and 2022’s Downton Abbey: A New Era, in which Violet dies.

Among the first to pay tribute was her friend Gyles Brandreth , who said: ‘The saddest news: the death of Dame Maggie Smith marks the end of a golden era and a quite extraordinary life.

‘She was a truly great actress, ‘one of the greats’ and simply the best company: wise, witty, waspish, wonderful. One of a kind in every way and consequently irreplaceable.’

Dame Maggie was one of the most versatile, accomplished and meticulous actresses of her generation, her repertoire ranging from Shakespeare to character parts in Harry Potter.

She was a performer of contrasts, with an astonishing capacity to switch imperceptibly from radiance to melancholy, from quiet to boisterous, from graciousness to mischief within seconds.

Although she was a tour de force in leading roles on the West End stage, she was equally happy – even during the years of her mega-stardom – to accept supporting roles, particularly in films.

Truly professional and as near a perfectionist as she could be, she treated these roles with as much detailed and careful attention as she did her major parts.

Probably her greatest triumph was in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie, for which she won her first Oscar.

But, Dame Maggie – she was made a DBE in 1990 – was self-deprecating about her abilities.

Her family background gave no indication that she would not only enter the acting profession but also become one of its leading exponents.

She said she had wanted, from childhood, to become an actress, but she did not see a play or a film until she was a teenager.

Nor did she receive much encouragement from her family, particularly one of her grandmothers, who remarked that she could not go into acting ‘with a face like that’. But none of this deterred her from her ambition.

Margaret Natalie Smith was born in Ilford, Essex, on December 28, 1934. She was educated at Oxford High School for Girls and later the Oxford Playhouse School, and first appeared on the stage as a girl of 18 in Twelfth Night.

She made an early mark in revues, as a singer and dancer. One fan who saw her on Broadway in New Faces of ’56, said he laughed so much he ended up banging his head on the seat in front of him.

She was spotted by Laurence Olivier, who saw her as much more than just a vaudeville performer and invited her to join the newly-formed Royal National Theatre Company in London.

There, and at the Old Vic, she excelled in both tragedy and comedy, moving easily from Shakespeare to Noel Coward, to Restoration comedy to Ibsen.

As a ‘rep’ actress, she was able to develop her incredible range, skill and talent among some of Britain’s best actors, including Robert Stephens, who was to become her first husband. They married in 1967 but divorced in 1974.

The film industry began to recognise her abilities and she was given several supporting roles.

But she first emerged as an international star with her virtuoso performance as the fanatical teacher Jean Brodie in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie.

Even in smaller roles she could upstage the film ‘giants’. In one film, Richard Burton described her scene-stealing as ‘grand larceny’.

Dame Maggie won over a whole new generation of fans when she played Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films.

In 2010 she was central to the success of ITV series Downton Abbey, in her Emmy-award winning role as the acerbic Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham.

But she later told ES Magazine: ‘I am deeply grateful for the work in (Harry) Potter and indeed Downton (Abbey) but it wasn’t what you’d call satisfying.

‘I didn’t really feel I was acting in those things.’

Her numerous awards also covered her performances in Tea With Mussolini, A Room With A View, A Private Function and The Lonely Passion Of Judith Hearne.

Dame Maggie won a best actress Oscar for the role in 1970.

Other film roles include her portrayal of a drunken Oscar loser in California Suite, the dying older lover in Love, Pain And The Whole Damn Thing, the tragic lodger in The Lonely Passion Of Judith Hearne, and the so-called ‘funny old bat’ in Gosford Park, which brought her a sixth Oscar nomination.

She starred alongside Dame Judi Dench in the 2004 film Ladies In Lavender, and on stage in the David Hare play The Breath Of Life.

One of her most famous roles was as a bag lady in The Lady In The Van, the 2015 adaptation of Alan Bennett’s memoirs.

She recently starred in the 2022’s Downton Abbey: A New Era, where Violet’s health deteriorates and she dies in an emotional end to her character.

The next year, she appeared in The Miracle Club, which follows a group of women from Dublin who go on a pilgrimage to the French town of Lourdes.

Dame Maggie’s second husband, the playwright Beverley Cross who she married in 1975, died in 1998.

She had two sons from her first marriage, Stephens and Larkin, who are both actors.

Acting legend Dame Maggie Smith, who died today aged 89, had spoken out about the complicated health battles she faced during the height of her career, and candidly revealed her thoughts about dying

Theatre and acting legend Dame Maggie Smith had come to grips with her mortality before her sad passing.

 

The Downtown Abbey star, who died today aged 89, rose to fame for her performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie back in 1969 – which landed her first-ever Oscar. She went on to become one of the UK’s biggest national treasures, immortalised for her iconic role of Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise.

Sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin announced the actress’ death, stating she passed away ‘peacefully’ in the hospital. “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,” they said in a statement. “We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”

Maggie had been open about her health battles, after being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 74. She says chemotherapy was a ‘hideous’ experience, arguing it made her ‘feel much worse’ than the disease itself. “I used to go to treatment on my own, and nearly everybody else was with somebody,” she recalled. “I wouldn’t have liked that. Why would you want to make anybody sit in those places?”

 

The diagnosis came after Maggie found a lump on her breast. She said treatment happened so fast she didn’t have ‘time to think about anything’. Thankfully, she received the all-clear from the doctors and continued her passion of acting. In fact, she filmed Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince during her treatment – and joked getting the wig to fit was easy. “I was like a boiled egg,” she said, according to Tim Teeman.

Maggie was also diagnosed with Graves disease, an autoimmune disorder that can sometimes lead to serious complications including heart failure. At just 33-years-old while working on the place ‘Lettice’, the actress started to experience a slew of unusual symptoms included irritated and bulged-out eyes that created a ‘frightening’ appearance.

According to the Express, Maggie said the condition, which came after a cycling incident that broke her arm, left her feeling like she’d been in a ‘fog of despair’. She received radiotherapy and optical surgery for the condition, keeping herself out of the limelight for an entire year to recover.

These experiences left Maggie accepting her mortality. “I was relieved to be the age I was, because by now you feel like it’s all over anyway,” she bravely said back in 2009. “That’s why I hated seeing young people receiving treatment [at the Royal Marsden Hospital, London]. I couldn’t bear that, it didn’t seem fair. To be honest, you feel so ghastly you wouldn’t mind dying a lot of the time.”