In a heartfelt statement, they said, "An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time."

Maggie Smith was widely celebrated for her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the *Harry Potter* films, a role that endeared her to audiences of all ages. Her illustrious career spanned decades, earning her two Academy Awards: Best Actress for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1969 and Best Supporting Actress for *California Suite* in 1978.

Tributes have poured in from all corners of the entertainment world. Hugh Bonneville, her co-star in Downton Abbey, paid homage to her incredible talent and legacy: “Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit, and formidable talent. She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances. My condolences to her boys and wider family.”