(Image: (Image: ITV))

Maggie Smith dies aged 89 as Harry Potter fans heartbroken over Professor McGonagall's death

Downton Abbey legend Dame Maggie Smith died peacefully in hospital, with her family left 'devastated' by her loss

27 Sep 2024, 13:17 by Rose Hill · Irish Mirror

Dame Maggie Smith has died aged 89, her heartbroken sons confirmed in a statement.

The Downton Abbey and Harry Potter legend passed away peacefully in hospital with her family by her side on Friday morning. Her family said that they are "devastated" by her loss as they went on to thank NHS staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

In a statement issued via their publicist, they said: "It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September.

"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."

Fans were left heartbroken over the news, hailing her a "British icon"

Sign up to the Irish Mirror's daily newsletter here and get breaking news and top stories direct to your inbox