This exhilarating image captures Dame Patricia Routledge, the beloved star of Keeping Up Appearances, alongside a companion, both dressed in safety gear and standing atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge during a BridgeClimb experience. The iconic Sydney Opera House and the sprawling city skyline serve as a stunning backdrop, with the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour below. Routledge, wearing a white hat and a wide smile, looks radiant and adventurous, a far cry from her character Hyacinth Bucket’s usual prim-and-proper demeanor. The image, likely taken during a visit to Australia, showcases Routledge’s zest for life and her willingness to embrace new experiences, echoing the sentiment of her earlier quote: “As long as there are exciting invitations, and as long as I feel I can respond to them properly, on we go.” The Sydney Harbour Bridge, affectionately known as “The Coathanger,” is one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, and the BridgeClimb is a popular activity that allows participants to scale the bridge’s arches for panoramic views of the city. Routledge, who would have been in her 70s or 80s at the time of this climb (depending on the exact date, which isn’t specified), demonstrates remarkable spirit and energy. The safety suits and harnesses they’re wearing indicate the seriousness of the endeavor—climbing the bridge is no small feat, involving a 1,439-step journey to the summit, 134 meters above the harbor. The experience offers breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House, the harbor, and the city’s skyline, as seen in the background of the photo. Patricia Routledge, born on February 17, 1929, is best known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, a British sitcom that aired from 1990 to 1995. As Hyacinth, she portrayed a social-climbing housewife obsessed with appearances, often leading to comedic chaos. While Hyacinth might have been more concerned with hosting a “candlelight supper” than scaling a bridge, Routledge herself has always shown a sense of adventure and curiosity in her personal life. Her career, spanning theater, television, and film, includes a Tony Award for Darling of the Day (1968) and her later role in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates (1996–1998). She was honored as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2017, a moment we previously explored, reflecting her significant contributions to the arts. This image of Routledge on the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a delightful glimpse into her life beyond the screen. It’s a testament to her adventurous spirit, showing that even in her later years, she was eager to take on new challenges. Fans of Keeping Up Appearances might find it amusing to imagine Hyacinth in such a setting—perhaps she’d insist on a more “elegant” way to enjoy the view, like a private yacht tour, rather than climbing in a harness! Yet, Routledge’s genuine joy in this moment highlights her down-to-earth nature, a stark contrast to her character’s pretensions. The photo also serves as an inspiration, reminding us that age is no barrier to trying something new and thrilling. Have you ever been to Sydney or dreamed of climbing the Harbour Bridge? Or does this image make you think of your favorite Keeping Up Appearances moment? Let’s celebrate Dame Patricia Routledge’s incredible spirit and the joy she continues to bring, whether on screen or atop one of the world’s most famous bridges! Tags: #PatriciaRoutledge #KeepingUpAppearances #SydneyHarbourBridge #BridgeClimb #HyacinthBucket #BritishComedy #DamePatricia #TravelAdventure #SydneyOperaHouse #AustralianAdventure
