She died on March 21, 2026, as announced in a post on her Instagram account.
Returned to modeling in her 70s
As reported by People, her children confirmed that Selfe passed away in a residential care facility. Just a few months prior, she had finished her last modeling assignment in June 2025, where she attended a Vogue luncheon at Royal Ascot.
In a touching tribute, her family shared their thoughts on her passing, stating: “She rose peacefully and purposefully towards the light, as only the remarkable model within her knew how, in the warmth of a beautiful spring equinox afternoon.”
They also remarked, “Her last day of work was in June when she attended the Vogue luncheon at Royal Ascot Ladies Day. What a fantastic way to exit, surrounded by fashion, people, and horses… her greatest passions.” The message wrapped up with: “She will always inspire, now and forever.”
The statement was signed by her children, Mark, Claire, and Rose, along with her grandchildren Jack, Alec, Grace, and Robin.
Born in London in 1928 and raised in Berkshire, Selfe started her modeling career at 21 after being discovered while employed at a department store.
After getting married in 1954, she took a break from the industry to focus on her family, although she did make occasional appearances in commercials and minor film roles.
Model Daphne Selfe attends the P&G Beauty And Grooming gala event at the Traders Hotel on November 24, 2010 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Visual China Group via Getty Images)
After her husband passed away in 1997, she made a comeback to modeling in her 70s and went on to achieve even greater heights. She graced major fashion events, such as London Fashion Week, and secured a contract with a top agency.
Looking back on her success later in life, Selfe remarked that she “experienced more modeling success after turning 70 than I ever did at 20.”
She further stated, “I found success when I accepted my age and embraced my gray hair,” adding, “It made me more captivating.”
In a 2023 interview, she also discussed her philosophy on longevity, saying,
Daphne Selfe walks the runway at the first Fifty Plus Fashion Week hosted by JD Williams at Cafe Royal on February 18, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
“I enjoy a glass of champagne, but only on special occasions like someone’s birthday or my own.” She highlighted the significance of being social, stating, “I love to socialize and bring my friends together, even if it’s just for a coffee. Plus, I really enjoy hosting parties.”
Daphne was officially acknowledged by Guinness World Records as the oldest model in the world and received the British Empire Medal. In 2015, she established the Daphne Selfe Academy, providing women of all ages with the chance to learn about and pursue careers in the fashion industry.
Even in her 90s, Selfe stayed active and involved, once telling Prince William that she had no intention of retiring — a reply he reportedly found “amazing.”
