Prince Andrew’s ex-wife Sarah Ferguson has paid a moving tribute to ‘National Treasure’ Dame Maggie Smith, who died on Friday aged 89.

Sarah Ferguson told Thank you for giving us so much pleasure.”

She went on to say: ‘To your family I extend my deepest condolences on the loss of Dame Maggie.’

Maggie Smith, who starred on stage and screen for more than 70 years, died in a London hospital, her sons announced on Friday, prompting an outpouring of tributes.

“It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith,” Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens said in a statement.

“She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning.”

Over the course of her career, Smith won a Tony, two Oscars, three Golden Globes and five Baftas.