A night dedicated to celebrating William Shakespeare brought together some of Britain’s most esteemed acting legends, with Queen Camilla leading the way at a star-studded Celebration of Shakespeare event at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel. Among the dazzling lineup of talent was none other than Dame Patricia Routledge, the beloved Keeping Up Appearances star, who at 94 was the oldest dame in attendance.
While she has largely stayed out of the public eye in recent years, Dame Patricia’s presence was a welcome surprise, seated in the front row alongside fellow acting royalty, including Dame Penelope Keith, Dame Judi Dench, and Dame Vanessa Redgrave. Wearing a blue suit and exuding the same grace and warmth that endeared her to audiences worldwide, the veteran actress smiled warmly for photographs.
The event was part of the ongoing celebrations marking 400 years since the publication of Shakespeare’s First Folio, a milestone in literary history. Queen Camilla, an ardent supporter of the arts, was the guest of honor, joining the illustrious company of stage and screen actors to pay tribute to the Bard’s enduring legacy.
Host Gyles Brandreth guided the evening’s festivities, which featured readings of Shakespeare’s most cherished works. Among the highlights was Dame Judi Dench’s moving recital of one of the playwright’s sonnets, a moment that captivated the audience.
Other notable attendees included actors Freddie Fox, Alex Jennings, Jeremy Irons, and Succession star Brian Cox, all of whom have made significant contributions to Shakespearean theatre throughout their careers.
For many, the appearance of Dame Patricia Routledge was one of the night’s most special moments. Best known for her unforgettable portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced “Bouquet”) in Keeping Up Appearances, the legendary actress has kept a low profile in recent years.
Though she has largely stepped away from television and film, she has remained an active advocate for the arts, making select appearances for causes close to her heart.
At the event, she was seated prominently in the front row, a reminder of her status as a British television and theatre icon. While some fans were taken aback by how different she looked compared to her Keeping Up Appearances days, others were simply thrilled to see her back in the spotlight.
Despite the decades that have passed since Hyacinth last terrorized her neighbors with her social-climbing antics, Dame Patricia has never tired of discussing the character that made her a household name. When asked in a past interview whether she saw any similarities between herself and Hyacinth, she responded with characteristic wit: “Apart from two arms, two legs, two eyes, a nose, and a mouth, I sincerely hope not! Acting is about playing a part.”
Although Keeping Up Appearances remains one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, Dame Patricia’s career extends far beyond Hyacinth’s carefully curated world of Royal Doulton china and candlelight suppers. A classically trained actress with a deep love for theatre, she has performed extensively on stage, earning acclaim in both dramatic and comedic roles.
Her talents have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including an Olivier Award for her contributions to British theatre and a Tony Award for her work on Broadway. She has also received one of the highest honors in the UK, having been made a Dame in 2017 for her services to theatre and charity.
Throughout her career, she has maintained a deep appreciation for the works of Shakespeare, a passion that made her attendance at the Celebration of Shakespeare particularly fitting.
Dame Patricia was in remarkable company at the event, surrounded by some of the greatest names in British acting. Dame Judi Dench, a lifelong devotee of Shakespeare, delivered a moving recital, while fellow stage icons like Sir Tom Courtenay, Peter Egan, Robert Lindsay, and Simon Russell Beale were also in attendance.
The event served as both a tribute to Shakespeare and a testament to the enduring power of live performance. Queen Camilla’s involvement underscored the Royal Family’s continued support of the arts, reinforcing the significance of theatre in British culture.
For fans of Keeping Up Appearances, Dame Patricia’s appearance was a poignant reminder of her incredible contributions to British entertainment. While she may no longer be gracing television screens as frequently as she once did, her legacy remains as strong as ever.
As the evening concluded, it was clear that the love for both Shakespeare and the legendary actors who have brought his words to life over the years remains unwavering. And though Hyacinth Bucket may have spent her fictional life striving for upper-class recognition, her real-life counterpart has more than earned her place among Britain’s most cherished performers.
