It is with deep sadness that the Trollope Society records the death of Joanna Trollope CBE, the distinguished novelist and broadcaster, who died on 11 December 2025, aged 82. Alongside her remarkable literary career, Joanna was a valued Vice-President of the Society and a supporter of its work over many years.

A distant relative of Anthony Trollope, Joanna took a close interest in his novels and in encouraging new readers to discover them. In 2020 she supported the Society’s ‘Pick Up a Trollope’ campaign, choosing Miss Mackenzie and explaining why she believed it deserved greater attention. Her recommendation remains a thoughtful and engaging introduction to the novel and a reminder of her commitment the work of the Trollope Society.

Joanna attended many Trollope Society events over the years, including lectures, talks and dinners, and her presence was always welcomed by members. She was generous with her time, thoughtful in conversation, and consistently supportive of the Society’s aims and activities. It was a particular pleasure to see Joanna at the dinner celebrating the 150th anniversary of The Eustace Diamonds in July 2022, where members enjoyed her company and conversation in a fitting celebration of one of Trollope’s great novels.

Joanna attended the ceremony in March 1993 at which Anthony Trollope’s memorial stone was installed in Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey and unveiled by Sir John Major, alongside members of the Trollope Society. Thirty years later, in December 2023, she returned to Poets’ Corner for the anniversary wreath-laying ceremony marking three decades since the stone was laid. Her presence on both occasions, at the original installation and again at the anniversary, was warmly appreciated by the Society and reflected her continuing support for Anthony Trollope and for the Society’s work.

We will remember Joanna Trollope for her own substantial body of work and for her support of the Trollope Society. She will be greatly missed. The Society extends its condolences to her family, friends and readers across the world.

Photo: Joanna Trollope attending the 150th anniversary of the publication of The Eustace Diamonds in July 2022.