King Charles 'deeply saddened' over Dame Maggie Smith death

King Charles III has paid a heartfelt tribute to Oscar-winning star of stage and screen Dame Maggie Smith, who breathed her last at the age of 89 on Friday.

The 75-year-old King penned an emotional message over demise of Dame Maggie Smith, who is widely-known for her iconic character Minerva McGonagall in Harry Potter. 

"My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dame Maggie Smith."

The monarch continued: "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. R"

Her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, announced the death of one of the world’s most distinguished actresses in a tragic update on September 27, stating: "She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September."

The English actress rose to fame after her mind-blowing performance as Viola in a stage production of 1952's Twelfth Night.