Hugh Bonneville has shared a heartfelt insight into how the upcoming Downton Abbey 3 will serve as a touching tribute to the late Dame Maggie Smith. Smith, who played Violet Crawley in the series and its two feature films, passed away at the age of 89 in September 2024. Downton Abbey 3 will be the final chapter for the franchise’s beloved characters, bringing closure to the long-running saga, though exact story details remain unknown for the threequel that will release in September 2025.