It’s been over three decades since Keeping Up Appearances first aired on British television, yet the comedic legacy of Hyacinth Bucket—who insists it’s pronounced “Bouquet”—continues to shine as brightly as ever. Dame Patricia Routledge, the indomitable actress behind one of the most iconic characters in sitcom history, has opened up about the role that made her a household name, the show’s extraordinary cultural resonance, and why she ultimately chose to leave it behind.

In a recent Channel 5 documentary, Keeping Up Appearances: 30 Years of Laughs, Routledge, now 96, reflected on the power of comedy, the gift of laughter, and the legacy of a show that has comforted and delighted audiences across generations. “There are people who can’t really get beyond Keeping Up Appearances if they think about me,” she mused, “but it did make a great difference, and I do get the most wonderful letters. I’m very grateful for that because you realise how important it is to have made people happy.”

A Comedy That Comforted a Nation

Routledge recounted one particularly poignant letter from a viewer going through an especially dark time. “She said that she made herself a cup of tea and sat down and put the television set on and then she said, ‘There you were.’ It just helped me get through a very, very difficult time,” the actress recalled. For Routledge, the emotional impact of these stories goes far beyond mere nostalgia—it affirms the show’s place as a cultural salve, a comedic balm in turbulent times.

Indeed, Keeping Up Appearances was more than just a sitcom—it was a social satire wrapped in suburban absurdity. From 1990 to 1995, the BBC comedy followed Hyacinth’s tireless (and often hilarious) attempts to elevate her social status, often to the dismay of her long-suffering husband Richard (Clive Swift) and her embarrassingly working-class family. Whether she was terrorizing the vicar, mispronouncing French, or hosting one of her dreaded candlelight suppers, Hyacinth’s determination and delusions made for unforgettable television.

Royalty, Reverends, and Respect

The show’s impact reached even the highest echelons of society. In the documentary, Routledge revealed that the series was a favorite of both the Queen and the Queen Mother. “We were one of the Queen Mother’s favourite sitcoms, which was lovely, and the Queen enjoyed it, too,” she said. “Hyacinth would have been flattered beyond words, and why not?”

It’s a fitting tribute to a character so obsessed with appearances and social climbing that even Buckingham Palace couldn’t resist her charm.

A Conscious Farewell to Hyacinth

Despite the sitcom’s enduring popularity, Routledge made the bold decision to walk away while still at the top. Speaking in Patricia Routledge Remembers on BBC Four, she explained why she chose to end the series at age 77: “I thought the writer was beginning to recycle old ideas. And also, remembering the glorious Ronnie Barker, he always stopped when he was at the height of something… That’s the place to be really.”

Rather than overstaying her welcome, Routledge left the audience wanting more—an increasingly rare feat in an era of long-running series that often fade rather than finish strong.

But the choice wasn’t only about timing. Routledge, a classically trained actress with a deep theatrical repertoire, was eager to return to more diverse storytelling. “I’m an actress, and I wanted to take on the stories of other people,” she said.

A Character That Leapt Off the Page

The actress also spoke candidly about her first encounter with the role that would become her defining performance. “I had opened the script for a moment at one o’clock in the morning, read straight through and Hyacinth leapt off the page,” she recalled. “I knew that woman, I knew several of that woman.”

And viewers knew her too. Over 44 episodes, Hyacinth’s blend of self-importance and cluelessness won the hearts of millions. Audiences laughed at her, rooted for her, and, despite her many flaws, couldn’t help but love her. Routledge’s masterful performance balanced comedy with pathos, bringing depth to a character that could have easily been a one-note caricature.

Life After the “Bouquet” Years

Following the conclusion of Keeping Up Appearances, Routledge continued to showcase her formidable talents across television and stage. She starred as the titular amateur detective in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates and took to the stage as Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest, reminding audiences and critics alike of her versatility.

Yet, for many, she will always be Hyacinth—polishing her Royal Doulton with the hand-painted periwinkles and answering the phone in her sing-song voice, “The Bouquet residence, the lady of the house speaking.”

Remembering the Cast

The show’s charm was also due in no small part to its supporting cast. Geoffrey Hughes, who played Hyacinth’s slobbish brother-in-law Onslow, became another fan favorite for his carefree attitude and comic timing. Tragically, Hughes passed away in 2012 at the age of 68 following a long battle with prostate cancer. His death marked a somber moment for fans, but his legacy lives on through reruns and fond memories.

Clive Swift, who portrayed Richard Bucket, passed away in 2019. His portrayal of the ever-patient and perpetually stressed husband added a grounded humanity to the show’s often outrageous scenarios. Judy Cornwell (Daisy) and the rest of the cast contributed to a comedic ensemble that remains unmatched in British television history.

The Lasting Legacy

Though the series ended nearly 30 years ago, Keeping Up Appearances remains a staple of British comedy. It has been syndicated in over 60 countries, with reruns still pulling strong ratings. It endures not just because of its humor, but because of its heart. At its core, it’s a story about identity, class, and the human desire to be seen as someone “important”—no matter how ridiculous the route taken to get there.

For Dame Patricia Routledge, the legacy of Hyacinth Bucket is a badge of honor. “It makes it all thoroughly worthwhile,” she said with a smile.

And for generations of fans, Hyacinth will always be answering that phone—floral dress pressed, pearls gleaming, and social aspirations forever intact.

What’s your favorite Hyacinth moment? Let us know in the comments below.