Jane Lapotaire, a celebrated actress known for her memorable roles in popular television series, has died at the age of 81. She garnered acclaim for portraying Princess Alice of Battenberg in 'The Crown' and Princess Irina Kuragin in 'Downton Abbey'. Her death, which occurred on Thursday, October 5, was announced by a spokesperson from the Royal Shakespeare Company, although the cause of death has not been disclosed.

In addition to her remarkable television career, Lapotaire made a significant impact on the theatre scene, winning prestigious accolades such as the Tony Award and Laurence Olivier Award for her performance as Edith Piaf in the play 'Piaf'. She originally performed this role in 1978 and reprised it on Broadway in 1980, showcasing her talent and versatility as a performer. Her contributions to the arts were recognized earlier this year when she was named Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by King Charles III during a ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Lapotaire is survived by her son, Rowan Joffe, from her marriage to director Roland Joffe. Her last television appearance was in the mini-series 'Garotas em Chamas', released in 2023, marking the end of a notable career that spanned several decades and showcased her extensive talents in both theatre and television.