Patricia Routledge’s Legacy: Tribute By Royal Commentator

Patricia Routledge, the brilliant actress best known as the hilariously pretentious Hyacinth Bucket, or “Bouquet,” as she insisted, passed away at the age of 96. Many tributes arrived, and so did one from a well-known royal commentator.

A Tribute To Patricia 

After the news broke, royal commentator Neil Sean spoke about Dame Patricia  on his Daily Headline News vlog. Sean met Routledge on several occasions, and discussed her incredible career. He believes the success of the classic sitcom Keeping Up Appearances comes from the fact that “we all knew a Mrs. Bucket.”

The character wanted to “elevate herself” socially despite her humble origins. The program featured an outstanding cast, including Clive Swift as her long-suffering husband, Judy Cornwell, and Geoffrey Hughes, making for an “incredible sort of ensemble of talent.” Roy Clarke, who created the show, even told Neil Sean he “couldn’t get a better or more perfect cast.”

Remembering Her Early Work

Before finding massive fame as Hyacinth, Routledge had a long career. For Sean’s generation, one of her earliest and most memorable TV turns came in the sketch show Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV. She portrayed the “barking sort of annoying” character called Kitty, a role Victoria Wood wrote specifically with Routledge’s voice in mind.

Furthermore, Routledge deeply valued her work with the playwright Alan Bennett. She said his words simply “spring out on the page,” making you think, “I know this character.” Consequently, she starred in his acclaimed Talking Heads series.

Getting Into Comedy 

Patricia Routledge waited a long time to get her “big break” after many years in repertory theatre. When Sean asked her about her “significant roles,” she simply replied, “all of them.” Yet, she felt glad that fame eluded her when she was young. She reasoned she might not have gotten the powerful roles that came later in life.

Remarkably, the actress admitted to Sean that she didn’t believe she could do comedy. She said, “it’s all about the excellent timing and knowing when to place a laugh.” However, when Hyacinth came along, she was “well into a certain age” and was ready “for anything,” loving the chance to “make fun of [herself].” She knew where the laughs were “on the page” and committed fully.

Hyacinth Was A Real Person?

Routledge based Hyacinth on a real neighbor of her mother’s. This woman was so particular that a visit meant being served with “doilies and cake stands and the full afternoon tea.” Neil recalled her saying that nevertheless, the actress understood that behind the meticulous facade, the character was “just like us.”

Often she put out all the “paraphernalia… to impress.” Neil Sean recollected that by accepting where she was in life and realizing the importance of living in the present, Patricia Routledge created a loving, wonderful, and truly unforgettable character.

Fans React In The Comments 

As some of the old Keeping Up Appearances episodes are on YouTube and watchable for free, it seems that folks from all over the world remember the actress fondly. One of them wrote, “The lady of the house speaking!!” RIP sweet lady, you have given us such joy.”

Here are a few more reactions from the discussion area:

• Here in the US, I love British humor. “Keeping Up Appearences” was one of my favorites. I’m sorry to see people like her go out of style. May the Good Lord give grace, peace, and comfort to her family.
• Patricia Routledge played such a good part as the character Hyacinth Bucket aka Bouquet and yes, we all know a Mrs Bucket. RIP Patricia.
• She said that when she got to the pearly gates, she wanted to hear champagne pop, the orchestra tune up, and her mother’s laughter. I thought that was soo sweet.
• Wonderful actress and her timing was impeccable. Hyacinth will always be a legend. She reminded me of my mother in law but without the sense of humour.

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