King pays tribute to Dame Maggie Smith as he says he’s ‘deeply saddened’ by death of legendary actress

THE King has paid tribute to “national treasure” Dame Maggie Smith following her death today aged 89.

King Charles expressed his sadness at the death of the Harry Potter and Downtown Abbey actress who had a career that spanned eight decades.

The King paid his tributes to the veteran actressCredit: Getty

He posted his tribute on social media app XHe said: “My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dame Maggie Smith.

“As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances, and her warmth and wit that shone through both on and off the stage.”

Smith was among the stars in attendance at the King’s coronation at Westminster Abbey last year.

She frequently joined the King at Sandringham Flower Show along with fellow national treasure Dame Judi Dench.

Her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens said she died in hospital early this morning.

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 September 27.

“An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end.”

The statement adds: “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.”

Actors and stars across the world have also paid tribute to the veteran actress.

The final public photo of Maggie Smith, launching a campaign for LoeweCredit: Juergen Teller/Courtesy of Loewe

The actress is famed for her characterful roles across a 70 year careerCredit: PA

She won two Oscars in her career, the second here for best supporting actress in California Suite in 1979Credit: AP

Her performance in Downton Abbey won her multiple Emmy awards and the love of a new generation of viewersCredit: Alamy