The not-so tragic life of a national treasure
The British public was stunned when on Wednesday 8th February, it was announced that socialite and ‘It girl’ Tara Palmer-Tomkinson had passed away at the age of 45.
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson (Photo by Beretta/Sims/REX/Shutterstock)
Having suffered from a rare autoimmune disease, as well as a non-malignant tumour, Tara spent many of her final months away from the glare of the public eye.
More: Celebrities pay tribute to Tara Palmer-Tomkinson as she dies at her London home
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Having a tumour in her pituitary gland was the cause of some ill health – but before she revealed her condition, many attributed her occasionally fragile appearance to a possible drug relapse, due to highly-publicised battles with drugs during her twenties.
In one of her final interviews, Tara expressed her frustrations with the judgement:
‘Whenever I’m photographed looking frail, everyone says, “Of course, she’s back on drugs,”’ she mused to the Daily Mail in November 2016.
‘That’s always their take on it. Bloody cocaine. That was so many years ago. But not many people can contemplate [my] life without it.’
So in order to portray Tara in a much happier light, Now has chosen a few of her happiest moments in the public eye…
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, September 2010
on the garden roof in her Earls Court home, wearing a custom made dress by fashion designer Suzanne Neville. Casual.
Credit: Richard Saker/REX/Shutterstock
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, September 2002
She was one of the first celebs to ‘get out of here’ when she appeared on the inaugural series of I’m A Celeb in 2002, coming in second place
Credit: BRIAN CASSEY/REX/Shutterstock
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, Jun 2008
And that’s what we call getting your own back on the paparazzi…
Credit: Richard Young/REX/Shutterstock
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, May 2012
Striking a pose on the pink carpet of the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition Private View
Credit: REX/Shutterstock
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, Oct 2012
Remember when Tara tried her hand at being a popstar? (Really.) Here she is giving her all in a performance on Loose Women…
Credit: Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock
Tara Palmer Tomkinson, June 2012
Tara was no stranger to striking a pose and having a good time – Holly Willoughby remembers her as ‘so funny, and incredibly kind’
Credit: Michael Bowles/REX/Shutterstock
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, Dec 2011
A fan of horses, Tara used to show jump
Credit: Ray Tang/REX/Shutterstock
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, Jan 2009
Giving us all ‘spinning-in-dress’ goals
Credit: Richard Young/REX/Shutterstock
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, Jul 2008
How can you not smile with shoes that bright?
Credit: Richard Young/REX/Shutterstock
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, Oct 2009
‘When in doubt, one leg out’ – Tara’s (presumed) philosophy while celebrating 300 years of Tatler magazine
Credit: Richard Young/REX/Shutterstock
