Queen Camilla has led heartfelt tributes to much-loved British author Dame Jilly Cooper, who has died suddenly aged 88 after a fall.

Her agent confirmed the news on Sunday morning (local time), describing the Rivals writer as a "legend" whose wit and warmth helped redefine modern romantic fiction.

Camilla, a close friend and long-time admirer, released a touching statement remembering Cooper as "wonderfully witty and compassionate".

"I was so saddened to learn of Dame Jilly’s death last night," the Queen said.

"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."

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