The Dowager Duchess of Devonshire has died, aged 94.
Deborah, who was the last of the famous Mitford sisters, passed away this morning,
Her son, the Duke of Devonshire, confirmed her death in a statement from Chatsworth House, her stately home.
He said: "It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Deborah Dowager Duchess of Devonshire passed away peacefully this morning."
He also said that an announcement about funeral arrangements would be made shortly.
David Blunkett, former Home Secretary, paid tribute to the duchess, whom he said he got to know over many years living in the village of Beeley, which is part of the Chatsworth estate.
He said: "She had the incredible common touch and capacity to touch people's lives for the better. Not only did she transform the Chatsworth estate at a time when its viability was at stake, but created an inland resort which offered great pleasure and entertainment to the thousands of people visiting every year.
"But, above all, she cared about the staff and the local residents, the maintenance of a sense of community and identity and the environmental and social heritage that she treasured."
