Grieving Dame Joan Collins puts on a brave face at book launch just three days after the death of her beloved sister Jackie

By Emily Sheridan for MailOnline

Published: 16:41 EST, 22 September 2015 | Updated: 18:52 EST, 22 September 2015

She was left devastated just three days ago by the death of her beloved younger sister Jackie.

But Dame Joan Collins was determined not to let her friend, illustrator David Downton down as she attended his book launch on Tuesday night.

The grieving actress, 82, put on a brave face as she was supported by husband Percy Gibson and daughter Katy at the launch of Portraits of the World's Most Stylish Women at Claridge's in London.

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Brave face: Dame Joan Collins attended the launch of Portraits Of The World's Most Stylish Women in London on Tuesday night following the death of her sister Jackie on Saturday

Brave face: Dame Joan Collins attended the launch of Portraits Of The World's Most Stylish Women in London on Tuesday night following the death of her sister Jackie on Saturday

Family ties: Joan was joined by her husband Percy Gibson and her daughter Katy

Family ties: Joan was joined by her husband Percy Gibson and her daughter Katy

The Dynasty star was her usual glamorous self in a black dress and embroidered jacket.

After posing for photos with David on his big night, she stayed close to her husband and daughter Katy, from her third marriage to the late Ron Kass. 

No doubt the evening would have provided some light relief for Joan as she grieves the loss of her sister.

Support: Dame Joan attended to support her friend, illustrator David Downton on his big night

Support: Dame Joan attended to support her friend, illustrator David Downton on his big night

Keeping close: Joan stayed near her husband and daughter during the evening

Keeping close: Joan stayed near her husband and daughter during the evening

Earlier on Tuesday she posted a cute baby photo of Jackie taken in the 1930s on her Twitter feed, writing: 'Little Jacqueline Jill Collins, a very joyful baby #jackiejcollins.'

Best-selling novelist Jackie, 77, passed away on Saturday following a secret six year battle with breast cancer.

Her sister Joan only found out about Jackie's illness just two weeks ago as she had kept her brave battle private.

A nice distraction: No doubt the evening would have provided some light relief for grieving Joan

A nice distraction: No doubt the evening would have provided some light relief for grieving Joan

Shock: Joan only found out her sister Jackie had cancer just two weeks ago

Shock: Joan only found out her sister Jackie had cancer just two weeks ago

Following news of Jackie's passing, Joan released a statement saying she was 'devastated' by her younger sibling's death.

She said: 'She was my best friend. I admire how she handled this. She was a wonderful, brave and a beautiful person and I love her.' 

On Sunday, Joan posted a quote about grief, reading: 'The reality is that you grieve forever. You will not "get over" the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will heal and you will rebuilt yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same nor would you want to.'

She also admitted she was feeling 'desperately sad' as she struggled to come to terms with her loss, adding: 'I know Jackie would want me to be strong but it's hard to lose somebody so wonderful, so incredible and loving.' 

Fashionable friends: Joan chatted to jewellery designer Theo Fennell

Fashionable friends: Joan chatted to jewellery designer Theo Fennell

Tribute: Earlier on Tuesday, Joan posted a cute photograph of Jackie as young girl

Tribute: Earlier on Tuesday, Joan posted a cute photograph of Jackie as young girl

Model behaviour: Erin O'Connor (right) and Jade Parfitt also attended the launch

Model behaviour: Erin O'Connor (right) and Jade Parfitt also attended the launch

Fashionable friends: David and fashion designer Amanda Wakeley

Fashionable friends: David and fashion designer Amanda Wakeley

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