Celebrated British novelist Dame Jilly Cooper has died at the age of 88 after suffering a fall, her family announced on Sunday.
The bestselling author — fondly known as the “Queen of the bonkbuster” — captivated millions of readers with her witty and risqué romance novels, including Riders and Rivals, selling over 12 million copies during her lifetime.
In a statement, her children, Felix and Emily, said her passing came as a “complete shock.”
“Mum was the shining light in all of our lives,” they said. “Her love for family and friends knew no bounds. We are so proud of everything she achieved and can’t imagine life without her infectious smile and laughter.”
Her agent, Felicity Blunt, described the novelist as “sharply observant and utter fun,” adding that working with her had been “the privilege of my career.”
“Jilly defined culture, writing, and conversation for over fifty years,” Blunt said. “Her works tackled class, sex, rivalry, grief, and love with humour and heart.”
Dame Jilly Cooper was best known for The Rutshire Chronicles — a wildly popular book series that chronicled the scandals of England’s polo-playing elite, led by the charming and womanising Rupert Campbell-Black.
Her 1985 novel Rivals, the most famous in the series, earned a spot on the BBC’s list of 100 most important English-language novels in the love, sex, and romance category. It was recently adapted for television by Disney+.
In August, the veteran author hosted a party for the cast at her Gloucestershire home — a sign of her enduring vitality. Among the guests was Andrew Parker-Bowles, the former husband of Queen Camilla, who was long rumoured to have inspired Cooper’s fictional hero.
Cooper’s friendship with Queen Camilla dated back decades. The Queen once told her at an event earlier this year, “I’m so proud of you — for all you’ve done.”
Dame Jilly lost her husband, Leo Cooper, to Parkinson’s disease in 2013 after a 52-year marriage. She once admitted she kept writing in her later years to cover his medical expenses.
Her novels — once dismissed as “bonkbusters” — have stood the test of time, celebrated for their humour, sharp social commentary, and unapologetic portrayal of desire.
Dame Jilly Cooper leaves behind a towering literary legacy and a devoted following who adored her wit, warmth, and fearless storytelling.
