The Archbishop of Canterbury expressed sorrow and a sense of profound loss following the death of Her Majesty the Queen Mother.

Speaking on Saturday evening in Canterbury he paid this tribute:

"We are all the poorer because this gracious lady has been taken from us. Her unfailing dignity, devotion to duty and charm have been a precious part of our national life for as long as most of us can remember. She was deeply loved by people of all ages; whilst older people will remember best the courage which she and King George VI showed during the War, every generation has taken her to their hearts.

"She had a deep and sustaining faith and lived her life in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life; a resurrection which we celebrate at this Eastertide. Christian love shone through her character.

"Even as we mourn her passing, we commend her confidently to God's keeping and give thanks to him for the very special contribution she made to the life of the nation and around the world.

"We pray that God will comfort Her Majesty the Queen and the rest of the royal family in their bereavement"