Jeffrey Archer: Queen Camilla pays tribute to 'irrepressible' author and former politician
Queen Camilla has paid tribute to the late author and former politician Jeffrey Archer, who passed away at 86. The article reflects on his controversial career, his literary success, and his personal connection to the Royal Reading Room.
Why it matters
Marks the passing of a significant and polarizing figure in British literature and politics.
Image source, Getty Images By Emma Saunders , Culture reporter and Henry Moore Published 6 October 2026 Queen Camilla has paid tribute to the bestselling author and former politician Jeffrey Archer, who has died at the age of 86.
"Seldom does an author get to live a life as rich, varied and colourful as any of the characters in their books, or with as many surprising plot twists," the Queen said in a statement.
She added that Archer was "not without flaw", but that "friends will recall him as an irrepressible life force through all the many differing chapters of his life".
The former Conservative MP was jailed for perjury in 2001 after being found guilty of lying and cheating in his 1987 libel case against the Daily Star.
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Jeffrey Archer, former Conservative politician and novelist, dies aged 86
Jeffrey Archer, bestselling UK novelist and scandal-plagued politician, dies aged 86
UK author, politician dies aged 86
UK author and politician Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86
Jeffrey Archer, author and former British politician, dies at 86
UK author and politician Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86
Bestselling British novelist Jeffrey Archer dies at 86
Best-selling British author Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86
Former politician and novelist Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86
Novelist and former MP Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86
Jeffrey Archer, novelist and Conservative politician, dies aged 86
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