Queen Camilla recalled Dame Jilly Cooper's wish to get "absolutely plastered" as she paid tribute to her "much-missed" friend.

The Rivals author died at the age of 88 last week after following a fall at her home in Gloucestershire and the royal quoted an "immortal line" from her as she opened the Cliveden Literary Festival on Saturday (11.10.25).

Recalling how Jilly had previously attended at party at Cliveden House, the Queen said: "There are few houses and gardens in England that are quite as steeped in literature as this one.

"I understand that it is possible to order Ian Fleming's 'Vesper Martini' at the bar - a drink that was a favourite of the late, much-missed Dame Jilly Cooper.

"She came to a party here a few years ago, when, I hope, she uttered her immortal line, 'I'm going to get absolutely plastered tonight, darling. I love you so much, I want to see two of you.'

"Dear Jilly... how we'd love to have seen just one of you here with us today."

Camilla had paid tribute to Jilly - who was known as the "queen of the bonkbuster" for her racy novels - after news of her death was announced, describing the author as a "wonderfully witty and compassionate" friend.

The 78-year-old royal said in a statement: "I was so saddened to learn of Dame Jilly's death last night.

"Very few writers get to be a legend in their own lifetime but Jilly was one, creating a whole new genre of literature and making it her own through a career that spanned over five decades.

"In person she was a wonderfully witty and compassionate friend to me and so many - and it was a particular pleasure to see her just a few weeks ago at my Queen's Reading Room Festival where she was, as ever, a star of the show.

"I join my husband The King in sending our thoughts and sympathies to all her family.

"And may her hereafter be filled with impossibly handsome men and devoted dogs."

Meanwhile, Camilla paid tribute to the "literary stars" in attendance for what is the eighth running of the Cliveden festival.

She said: "Ladies and gentlemen, it is a huge pleasure to be with you for the eighth Cliveden Festival, in the midst of a veritable galaxy of literary stars.

"I always wanted to attend this Festival since it was founded in 2017, so I'm more than delighted to be here today!

"The unique mix of lively but respectful conversation, magical location and inspirational speakers has ensured that it has swiftly become part of the artistic landscape of our country.

"In short, thanks to founders Andrew Roberts, Natalie Livingstone, Catherine Ostler and Simon Sebag Montefiore, here at Cliveden we are connected with history, and with each other, through our mutual love of books."