Dame Maggie Smith was laid to rest in an intimate funeral service this week, following her death at the age of 89.
The iconic actress, most known for her roles in Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter franchise, died on September 27, with her loved ones confirming the sad news.
On Monday, they gathered to say a ‘beautiful goodbye’ to the legendary screen star at Mortlake Crematorium, while also remembering her incredible life.
According to reports, guests celebrated Dame Maggie by ‘belting out hymns’ and sharing ‘brilliant eulogies’, with those invited sharing that it was ‘full of laughter’.
‘Such a beautiful goodbye to Maggie Smith today,’ one told the Daily Mail. ‘It was warm and funny and full of love and brilliant eulogies, with the best hymns bringing belted out by all.
‘It was poignant but not sad because hers was a life so richly lived.
‘Maggie was as funny and sharp as it gets. One of the greats.’
The outlet reports that the order of service paid tribute with a childhood photo of the late star on the front, and a smiling picture on the back, complete with the message: ‘In loving memory of Dame Margaret Natalie Smith.’
It is not clear whether any of her former co-stars were in attendance.
Dame Maggie’s sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, announced her death in a heartfelt message in September.
‘It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith,’ they began. ‘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.’