Rachael Stirling says reports distorted private act of tasting mother’s ashes
Rachael Stirling says reports about her eating her mother Diana Rigg’s ashes have made a private act of grief sound like a nightly spectacle. In her book about their relationship, she describes tasting a grain or two of the ashes, and says she did not expect to be portrayed as a cannibal.
Stirling wrote the book to remember Rigg, the acclaimed actor known for roles including Emma Peel in The Avengers and the Queen of Thorns in Game of Thrones. Rigg died during the Covid lockdown and wanted a private cremation, with her ashes scattered in places she loved, including her gardens in France and London, English fields and Covent Garden. Stirling recounts choosing containers for the ashes and reflects on the practical and emotional details of carrying out her mother’s wishes.
- Rachael Stirling says press coverage exaggerated her account of tasting her mother’s ashes.
- Diana Rigg wanted her ashes scattered in places she loved.
- Stirling wrote a book to remember their complicated, close relationship.
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Rachael Stirling is a British actor whose mother, Diana Rigg, died during the Covid-19 lockdown. Stirling is writing a book reflecting on her relationship with her mother and how she carried out Rigg's wishes regarding her final arrangements.
Diana Rigg was one of Britain's most acclaimed actors, renowned for a distinguished career spanning theatre, film and television. She gained international recognition for roles including Emma Peel in the 1960s television series The Avengers and the Queen of Thorns in Game of Thrones.
Rigg had requested a private cremation, with her ashes to be scattered in places of personal significance to her, including her gardens in France and London, English countryside, and Covent Garden. Stirling's book explores the practical and emotional details of honouring her mother's final wishes.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “‘I didn’t expect to be portrayed as a cannibal’: Rachael Stirling on eating her mother Diana Rigg’s ashes”.