Downton Abbey bosses had golden rule for cast – but the late Dame Maggie Smith was only star exempt
AS DOWNTOWN Abbey fans eagerly await the third installment of the beloved film series, some of Dame Maggie Smith’s unique privileges on set have been revealed.
When the TV series was filmed at the Highclere Castle, strict rules were enforced to protect the Grade I listed building.
Actors were prohibited from eating or drinking on set between scenes to preserve the historic interiors.
Instead trailers and tents were set up on the castle’s grounds, where cast members could rest, eat, and prepare for their next take.
However, there was one exception to this golden rule, Dame Maggie Smith.
A source exclusively told The Sun: “She’d regularly be seen enjoying a cup of tea during her breaks while reading her scripts and the Carnarvon family absolutely adored her.
“Even before her death tour guides at Highclere were boasting about this to visitors – and even more so now. The family miss her terribly.”
The Pink Room, located between the Smoking Room and the Study at Highclere Castle, was her favored spot for a quiet moment.
This and the nearby Music Room never appeared on screen in Downtown Abbey, so viewers would not recognise her haunt even if they saw it.
Dame Maggie Smith passed away peacefully at the age of 89 last September, leaving behind a legacy spanning over 70 years on stage and screen.
Her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens announced her death in a heartbreaking statement, describing her as an extraordinary mother and grandmother.
They said: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.
“She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday, September 27. She was with friends and family at the end.”
They expressed gratitude to the staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and kindness.
Despite Maggie’s tragic passing, the third Downtown Abbey film is still slated for release on September 12, 2025.
Hugh Bonneville, who plays Robert Crawley, hinted at what fans can expect from the upcoming story, saying: “For my character, I think the usual [can be expected], which is that he’s a sort of dinosaur trying to be led into the future reluctantly, and then eventually he stumbles forward a bit.
“It’s got the usual tropes, if you like, of thrills and spills in a very Downtown way – which means spilling a tea cup, pretty much!
“I think it’ll certainly be the best iteration of the film versions yet.”