Queen recalls Jilly Cooper’s wish to ‘get plastered’

The Queen shared a sad but mischievous memory of her long-time friend Dame Jilly Cooper in a speech at a book festival six days after the author’s death at 88.

Speaking at the Cliveden Literary Festival in Berkshire, Queen Camilla fondly recalled an anecdote about Dame Jilly.

“He came here to a party a few years ago and I hope he said his immortal line: ‘I’m going to get totally drunk tonight, darling. I love you so much, I want to see you two,'” she said to laughter in the room.

“Dear Jilly, we would love to see even just one of you here today.”

The Queen also revealed that the Vesper Martini, invented by writer Ian Fleming as James Bond’s drink of choice, was the favorite drink of the “much missed” Dame Jilly.

At the event, Queen Camilla met with the festival’s founders and panelists.

He then officially opened the festival with a speech before a panel discussion on the importance of reading and studying literature.

Queen Camilla later hosted a reception in the French Dining Room, where attendees including Sir Salman Rushdie and Sir Ian Rankin attended.

Earlier in the week, Queen Camilla officiated at the memorial service for Dame Jilly, who fell to her death.

In a statement, she said she hopes her life from now on will be filled with “incredibly handsome men and loyal dogs.”

There has been an outpouring of affection for Dame Jilly since her death.

Many of the themes of his so-called follies – sex, affection and horses – were central to these raves.

Others at the festival shared their love and affection for Dame Jilly.

Speaking to reporters, Sir Ian said he had read her novel competitors and “loved”.

He said that he had met with him many times and that they were in contact.

“I got a lot of nice letters from her, long letters and cards and everything. I think my wife got pretty worried at one point,” he joked.

While adding that he was a “fantastic writer”, Sir Salman said it was a “sad loss”.