Stars remember Lord Attenborough at memorial service

A memorial service for Richard Attenborough was held at Westminster Abbey. Credit: Anwar Hussein / EMPICS Entertainment/PA Photos

A host of stars and politicians have attended a memorial service for actor and Oscar-winning film director Richard Attenborough.

Film veteran Lord Attenborough, who dominated the British film business for more than half a century, died last August at the age of 90.

ITV News correspondent Nina Nannar reports:

Actress Dame Judi Dench was among a host of stars who attended the service. Credit: Reuters/Suzanne Plunkett
Actor Sir Michael Caine and his wife Shakira arriving at Westminster Abbey. Credit: Stefan Rousseau / PA WIRE
Actor and director Kenneth Branagh was at the event in central London. Credit: Reuters/Suzanne Plunkett

The service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, drew a dazzling congregation including his brother, TV wildlife presenter Sir David Attenborough, actors Sir Michael Caine, Sir Ben Kingsley, Sir Kenneth Branagh and Dame Judi Dench.

Sir David read from Lord Attenborough's 1994 maiden speech in the House of Lords. Credit: Stefan Rousseau / PA WIRE

Sir David read from Lord Attenborough's 1994 maiden speech in the House of Lords which opened with the line: "I have it on the best authority - from a not too distant relative - that we are related to apes".

After reading the extract, which included the words "the arts are not a luxury" but "are for everyone", Sir David added: "My brother lived by his words."

Sir John Hurt and his wife Anwen Rees-Myers attended the memorial. Credit: Stefan Rousseau / PA WIRE
Sir Melvyn Bragg and Maureen Lipman arriving at the ceremony. Credit: Stefan Rousseau / PA WIRE
Sir Ben Kinglsey, who played the lead in Lord Attenborough's film about Gandhi, also gave a reading. Credit: Stefan Rousseau / PA WIRE

In his address, Lord Puttnam described Lord Attenborough as "gifted, loyal, tenacious, but also deeply sensitive".

He recalled a story from 1990 when Dickie, as he was called by his friends, led a delegation to Downing Street to discuss the creative industries with then prime minister Margaret Thatcher.

Lord Puttnam said the PM asked why it had taken them so long to get together, to which he said Lord Attenborough replied: "Because you never asked me, darling."

Jeffrey Archer and his wife Mary were among those representing British politics. Credit: Stefan Rousseau / PA WIRE
Lord Neil Kinnock and Baroness Glenys Kinnock also attended the memorial. Credit: Stefan Rousseau / PA WIRE

After the ceremony, Sir Michael said: "It was brilliant. So beautiful." And Dame Judi said: "I thought it was absolutely perfect."

Dame Penelope Keith said it was "marvellous", adding: "I think he'd have loved it."