Hundreds Attend Funeral Of Actress Dame Patricia Routledge

Hundreds of mourners gathered at Chichester Cathedral for the funeral of Dame Patricia Routledge, the actress best known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances.

The 96-year-old passed away peacefully on 3 October, surrounded by family and loved ones. Tributes at the service highlighted her versatility on stage and screen, her generosity, and her lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

Dame Patricia was praised for her philanthropy, having donated over £1 million to support young people in music and theatre through the Patricia Routledge Foundation, which guests were encouraged to support.

The service included readings and stories celebrating her life, with references to her acclaimed roles in Keeping Up Appearances, Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, and Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads monologues, as well as her celebrated theatre career.

Born in Birkenhead, she won a Tony Award for Darling of the Day, an Olivier Award for Candide, and earned several BAFTA nominations for her television work.

She was made an OBE in 1993, a CBE in 2004, and received a damehood in 2017.

Friends and fans remembered her warmth, wit, and dedication to the arts, describing her as a beloved figure both locally in Chichester and around the world.