Jilly Cooper's final photo as she met friend Queen Camilla days before death

Dame Jilly Cooper was photographed meeting Queen Camilla just weeks beforeher death aged 88. The raunchy author died on Sunday following a fallas her children shared the sad news.

Just last month, Jilly was seen meeting the Queen at a royal event after admitting she took inspiration from Camilla's ex husband for her novels. Camilla is said to be a huge fan of Jilly's work as she was invited to her third annual Queen's Reading Room literary festival.

When they met, Camilla gave Jilly a kiss on the cheek. The Queen's ex husband Andrew Parker Bowles was the inspiration for Jilly's lothario Rupert Campbell-Black, who was played by Alex Hassell on screen.

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Brushing off any awkwardness, Camilla said Andrew and their daughter Laura had been thrilled to be invited to a party at Jilly's home with the Rivals cast. She told the late author: "They enjoyed your party. They love a bit of your Rivals. Everybody's enjoyed your Rivals."

After the event, Jilly said: "We chatted about how much we love each other. I've been very lucky. It's lovely they all like it. Even her. We've known each other a long time. We live near each other."

The Queen's Reading Room Festival event took place at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire. Jilly's death was announced by her family as her children Felix and Emily said: "Mum, was the shining light in all of our lives. Her love for all of her family and friends knew no bounds. Her unexpected death has come as a complete shock.

"We are so proud of everything she achieved in her life and can’t begin to imagine life without her infectious smile and laughter all around us."

Speaking to the How To Fail podcast, Jilly confirmed she based her lead aristocrat, described as 'the handsomest man in England', on Camilla's ex. She said: "He's been a great friend for a long time... so he's very like Rupert. He's beautiful and blond and stunning."

Jilly described the character as "well-constructed. Usually, men with such long legs had short bodies but Rupert, from the broad flat shoulders to the lean muscular hips and powerful thighs, seemed perfectly in proportion."

Jilly's family are planning a private funeral in line with her wishes. They have asked for privacy and time to grieve, while a public service of thanksgiving will be held in Southwark Cathedral to provide an opportunity for everyone that knew Jilly to celebrate her life. An announcement will be made in due course.

Last year, Jilly reflected on her life in a BBC documentary. She said: “I have lived an incredibly lucky life. Lucky, lucky, lucky, lucky. I had brilliant parents, a heavenly husband and lovely children.”

Addressing her legacy, she added: “I hope I am a bit funny. I hope I cheered people up. I hope I tell a good story.”

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