Actress Dame Maggie Smith dies at 89

Actress Dame Maggie Smith, known for the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey, has died astatine the property of 89, her household has said.

A connection from her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin said: "It is with large sadness we person to denote the decease of Dame Maggie Smith.

"She passed distant peacefully successful infirmary aboriginal this morning, Friday 27th September. An intensely backstage person, she was with friends and household astatine the end. She leaves 2 sons and 5 loving grandchildren who are devastated by the nonaccomplishment of their bonzer parent and grandmother.

"We would similar to instrumentality this accidental to convey the fantastic unit astatine the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their attraction and unstinting kindness during her last days.

"We convey you for each your benignant messages and enactment and inquire that you respect our privateness astatine this time."

More to follow.

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