Daphne Selfe, renowned as the world’s oldest professional model, has passed away at the age of 97. Her death was announced on March 23, 2026, two days after she passed on March 21. The news was shared via her Instagram account, with her daughter Rose Wordsworth confirming that Selfe spent her final days in a residential care home.
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Selfe, who gained recognition from Guinness World Records in 2023 for her status as the oldest professional female model, had a vibrant career that spanned decades. Born in July 1928 in London to a classics teacher and an opera singer, she was raised in Berkshire. After initially stepping into the fashion world at the age of 21, she took a significant break from modelling to raise her family.
Her modelling journey began in an unexpected fashion when a talent scout noticed her while she was working at a department store. This encounter launched her career after she won a competition to appear on the cover of a local publication. In 1954, Selfe married TV studio manager Jim Smith and chose to focus on her family life. Although she stepped away from fashion, she continued to model occasionally for sculptors, and even made small appearances in some James Bond films.
Following the passing of her husband in 1997, Selfe made a remarkable return to modelling, quickly gaining prominence. She made her debut at London Fashion Week and later signed with prominent modelling agency Models 1. Reflecting on her return during a 2017 interview with BBC Three Counties Radio, she noted, “I had more modelling success since I was 70 than I ever did when I was 20.” Embracing her age and opting for a grey hairstyle, she found that it enhanced her uniqueness in the competitive fashion landscape.
Her career renaissance led her to numerous engagements with high-profile fashion houses and appearances in esteemed publications. Her life story was detailed in her memoir, “The Way We Wore: A Life in Clothes,” which was published in 2015. In interviews, Selfe often expressed that embracing her age was the key to her enduring success.
In a 2023 conversation with The Telegraph, Selfe shared insights into her longevity, crediting good health to simple practices like regular exercise and a diet rich in vegetables. Displaying her lively spirit, she mentioned her fondness for the occasional glass of champagne, usually reserved for festive occasions. She also spoke of her enjoyment in socialising, often bringing friends together for gatherings.
Selfe’s vibrant personality shone through during her final years, highlighted by her attendance at events such as the Royal Variety Performance, where she interacted with Prince William and Kate Middleton. In a delightful exchange, the Prince expressed admiration for her continued work in fashion, querying about her retirement, to which Selfe replied that she had no plans to stop modelling.
In a heartfelt tribute, her family reflected on her life, stating, “She rose peacefully and purposely towards the light, as only the sensational model in her knew how.” Her last modelling job was at a Vogue luncheon during Royal Ascot Ladies Day in June 2025, a fitting farewell to a remarkable career characterised by resilience and reinvention.
Selfe leaves behind a legacy of inspiration, proving that age need not be a barrier to pursuing one’s passions. Her dedication to modelling despite the challenges of time serves as an uplifting reminder of the beauty that can be found in embracing oneself at any age. She is remembered fondly by her children and grandchildren, as well as the countless individuals who admired her extraordinary journey and enduring spirit.