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Wednesday, 15 May, 2002, 13:35 GMT 14:35 UK
Queen Mother: Your tributes
Buckingham Palace has announced the death of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
She lived longer than any other King or Queen in British history.
Yet her reign as Consort was comparatively short.
She was one of the architects of the modern House of Windsor, yet she was born a commoner.
Her birth came at the very beginning of the 20th century, but each generation will have its own memories of her.
Send us your Queen Mother tributes.
This debate is now closed. Read your comments below.
Alana Tremblay, Canada
I would just like to say that the Queen Mother was a pillar not only to the royal family but also this country. She will be sadly missed. Her life spanned a whole century in which she saw so much change, but the one thing that did not change is the public's admiration and love for her. She has been portrayed as a kind and sensitive lady, and shall be missed by all. However she did have a great life and in sadness we should also rejoice the fact that we were graced by her presence.
The Queen Mother waved at me as a little boy in the early 50's. Outside Heathrow airport where I had been taken by my father to see planes taking off and landing. We found out to our delight the Queen was to pass us as she returned from a trip abroad. I vividly remember the King was very ill at the time but she still waved at me as I sat on my fathers shoulders- I will never forget this moment in time The Queen Mother created. In later years I have photographed her many times at events as press photographer and never forget our first encounter.
Robin & Eva Hughes, UK
I studied the Tudor period for A Level history. Through this my admiration for the Royal Family has grown. My French Grandmother helped the Resistance during the occupation and I am very proud of her and of those who fought for freedom. For this I am especially proud of the Queen Mother who insisted on staying in London during the war. My thoughts go out to her family.
In every moving picture, the Queen Mother had a smile for her public and she smiled with her eyes and from her heart. As beautiful and serene in old age as she was in her youth.
I am saddened to read remarks by a minority of fellow-countrymen and women complaining for the "fuss" we are making over the Queen Mother. For those of you who have no respect, clearly you have forgotten the perilous times during W.W.II when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother stood shoulder to shoulder with the rich and poor alike. For those of us who remember, god bless you fair lady, and rest in peace.
I have just returned from signing the book of condolence at the British Embassy in The Hague. I did this especially because my mother died 10 years ago today and she would have wanted me to do this. I wrote that the Queen Mother was a true lady who was an example to us all both in time of peace and war. She was what any member of any royal family should be; an example of the finest qualities of the nation of which they are the sovereign. The Queen Mother certainly did this.
Privileged as I was to have been Naval Liaison Officer to Her Majesty during Her tour Of New South Wales in 1958. I well recall her friendly and inspirational manner in any situation. She impressed as a lovely lady ,dignified at all times, yet keenly interested in all others in Her presence. She will remain to all who met Her a Royal Queen. GOD BLESS HER MAJESTY.
She was the original Peoples' Princess, the Nation's Grandmother. Three generations of my family, my grandparents, parents and myself, loved and respected her. She summed up the century and will be missed, but like her we should look forward building on the past.
Peta Patala Conway, Fiji
Dear Queen and family, Year 1-A are sorry and sad to hear about the loss of your mother. We are all thinking and praying for you and your family. God bless.
Elizabeth, The Queen Mother will be sorely missed. I have grown up admiring her. When I heard the 121st. Psalm being sung it reminded me of my own dear mother and how much I miss her since her passing. The 121st. Psalm was my mother's favourite and was a reading at her funeral. Putting her life and death into perspective, Elizabeth, The Queen Mother was an amazing example of womanhood. A devoted wife, a loving mother and a wise and compassionate grandmother. May she surely enjoy the rewards of heaven as she unselfishly lived her life. She also made me recognize how important the Monarchy is to all of us.
It is with sad regret that we mourn the passing of one of England's and the worlds most recognisable faces. The Queen Mother gave to all a real face to the royalty in Britain. She was a very special person who touched the hearts of many and will be missed by all. Rest In Peace
Bert Mifsud, West Mids, UK
"Rule Britannia", as she is your soul. Her singing along on the balcony on VE day is with her unforgettably etched into history.
101 years of care and hard work to make the world gets better. All respect to HRH and to the royal family
Bruno Silva, Portugal
The Queen Mother obviously had the kind of style and grace and humility that rightfully won the affection and respect from so many in Britain as well as around the world. She will be sorely missed. Deepest condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, members of the Royal household of Windsor and the people of United Kingdom.
Please send our heartfelt sympathies to the Queen and her family at this sad time. From Dorothy, Ivan, Andrew, Sally Anne, Anne, Ian, James and Daniel.
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was so representative of everything good and decent in this great country of ours. For most of us, she had simply been there for as long as we could remember. She was fundamental to the British way of life. A really true example of duty first with a pleasant and cheerful manner. A truly great Lady. God rest her soul and deepest sympathy to the Royal Family. She was one of those rare people that made the world a better place, for having lived in it.
I was so saddened by the news of the passing of the Queen Mum. My deepest sympathies to Queen Elizabeth and members of the Royal Family, for our great lose. May she rest in perfect peace.
Joanne Fyfe, Canada
My great-great grandfather, great-grandfather, grandfather, father and myself have all sworn allegiance to the Crown since 1840's. I feel deeply saddened by her passing away. Please accept our deepest sympathy. God Bless the Queen. From Suresh Gurung, ex-Queen's Gurkha Signal (21158072)
This is a message from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. I wish to express deepest sympathy to the Royal Family and all of the members of the British Family throughout the world. As a child of 7 I, along with classmates, stood at the foot of a bridge in Winnipeg as the Queen and King passed in their motorcade. Though we did not get a very close look it is a memory I cherish...I am now 70...and I can still visualize that day.
My deepest sympathy to the Royal Family and the people of UK for the loss of a beautiful person who will be remembered forever. May her soul rest in peace.
The death of Queen Mum is so sad. Her passing reminds me that we all will miss an untiring spirit with which her right and correct conduct and gentle strength guided forward a nation's image as a bearer of a great democracy.
Deb Paat, USA
Tears for a real lady whose kindness and values which were not old-fashioned but very much alive make us believe in a better world. God save the Queen.
We have lost Our Nations Grandmother.
To me She was the Queen 'Mum'. She stood for decency and honesty and at all times thought only of her nation and her family. Now she is at rest with her beloved Husband The King and may this wonderful lady Rest in Peace
Heartfelt sympathy to Her Majesty and Prince Charles who will miss their "Grand Mum" more than anyone else. We remember her charm, courage, grace, calm beauty and serenity, wisdom and warmth with "warm fuzzies" over the years, past and present.
My thoughts are with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles and their family at this time of mourning for the Queen Mother. God bless her and her family.
The Royal Family have my earnest condolences. However, in the 21st century Britain, a supposedly democratic even meritocratic society, I don't think the state pomp and ceremony or accompanying media frenzy around the Queen Mother's passing is appropriate.
Thousands of British women have lived hard lives, struggled to raise their families, contributed selflessly to our society and died with meagre state support in old age.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the royal family. It is a sad day, the Queen mother will be truly missed. She was truly royal.
Rev. R L. Lorenson, USA
Once upon a time there was a little girl of seven, standing with her beloved grandmother in the Mall, close to Buckingham Palace, in the cold and damp February weather, watching with sadness the funeral of King George. Now, fifty years later, in the very, very early morning here in Canada, I will watch the final journey of that indomitable and beloved Queen Mother. My deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and her family as they bid farewell not just to a dear mother and grandmother but to a world which will be lacking her grace and presence.
Being Maltese, and therefore having English roots, we commemorate HM the Mother Queen for the help the Royal Family gave to the Maltese Islands in WWII. RIP
The world mourns the passing of the Queen Mother, a truly great lady of the 20th century. She will forever be remembered as the "World's Granny"
Hans Paas, Australia
May the Almighty Lord reward the world's mother and comfort the Royal family.
Our sincerest condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and her family on the death of their beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. A lovely and much loved Lady at rest.
I am so saddened by the insulting attitude of so many of my fellow countrymen regarding the Queen Mothers passing - griping about taxpayers money being wasted on her funeral arrangements! May I remind each and every one of you that our Monarchy is the envy of the world and you ought to stop being so mean, cruel and self-centred and make the effort to show that you have at least an inkling of the meaning of the word respect.
Call me Little Englander if you like - I am proud of it
Matthew and Cheryl Crowe, UK
My thoughts are with the Queen and Prince Charles at this sad time, but the Queen Mother had a wonderful long life.
To Her Majesty the Queen and Her Family, the warmest heartfelt condolences of a French citizen who for half a century so admired the presence, kindness and " majesté " shown throughout Queen Mother's life of service to the Nation, the Commonwealth and the world.
This is the time to reflect on a great leading lady, who gave hope and support to her family and her subjects and the world watched. People that inspire the way the Queen Mum did are few and far between. She met adversity head on and did it with grace and style. She has a great legacy in history and an even greater space in the hearts of the people. God Bless you and keep you.
The Queen Mother was a wonderful woman and one who kept the family together. May she rest in peace! On behalf of my husband and family, we send our condolences to HM the Queen and the people of the UK. God bless you all!
Deborah Parker, Scotland
I am not British, I am an American, but the Queen Mother always reminded me of my dearly departed grandmother. I love elderly people, they have seen so much, experienced so much and have so much wisdom. They should be revered and I think this lovely woman captures the essence of my sentiments.
She was a wodnedrful woman loved by everyone and she will be sadly missed
God Bless you dear lady! Thank you for the pleasure and support you have given to so many and the ready smile you had for everyone. I saw that smile at a Sandringham Flower Show as a child and it remains with me forever.
Dorothy Trueland, Australia
She will be missed, remembered but most of all loved by everyone!! We are all behind the royal family in this time of sadness!
It is sad to learn about the loss of a great lady. Queen mother reminds me of my mom Pansy Dass who passed away just a year ago April 03, 2001. May God Bless the souls of these wonderful ladies.
My prayers and thoughts go out to the family. I am blessed with the grace of having the Queen Mum in my life time. I will always carry share the charm and warmth she has given us all in my lifetime. Fair thee well!
A very lovely woman with a world of wisdom & experience-God Bless the Queen Mother as she is reunited with her husband.
The World will be a much sadder place with the passing of a great lady.
John Milton, South Africa
I first saw the Queen Mother on her visit to Canada in 1939 when I was 6 years old. It was my first introduction to our history with the Royal Family and I have followed both her and Queen Elizabeth since. We will miss her ready smile and cheerful outlook. With deepest sympathy to the Royal Family.
I turned on the TV last Saturday after an exceptionally busy day and my heart sank and the tears flowed. I can understand how Prince Charles said that he thought she would always be there! This past week I have spent watching as many wonderful documentaries and tributes to the Queen Mother as I could find. What a truly remarkable woman she was!
Jo Poulsen, California, USA
A sad passing of a grand lady - in the truest sense of the words - who knew how to live life to the full. A privilege for this world to have known this remarkable person who has left indelible, positive energy to benefit the world.
Thoughts of the Queen Mother always bring to the fore memories of her and King George walking through the wreckage of the blitz during the darkest days of World War II. She'll always be in the memories of those who lived through that time.
I'm only 17, and I don't know much about the Blitz or the world wars. From what I have read though, I can tell she was a very strong lady and a supportive wife, mother, grandmother and not to mention, a very loving great-grandmother. How many can live up to this age, and continue with one's duties? She carried out as many as 55 duties this year, which is pretty amazing, considering she wasn't in the pink of health. This is truly inspiring for us all - she hadn't complained of being sick or anything, but she had continued to make the life of others better and happier while she could.
Christina Harriden, Australia
A Great lady with courage and grace had left. God Bless Queen Mother. We all Miss her.
A wonderful lady who now rests peacefully with those whom she loved and lost awhile. Thank you for a life of joy, example and great fortitude.
I am deeply saddened that we have lost our Dear Queen Mum - she was like a grandmother and Mum to us all. Britain will never be the same without her smiling face and her grace and wisdom. God Bless Her!
Queen Mother and Princess Margaret lived their lives of luxury off the wealth plundered from impoverished people all over the Earth, as do the remaining Windsors. They are ordinary people in possession of extraordinary wealth, nothing more.
Elizabeth was a truly remarkable British hero who will be sadly missed.
Jean Grice, England
A bit of history has departed in spirit but not in our thoughts. She will be missed by everyone especially the UK.
My thoughts are with the Royal Family at this difficult time.
I shall never forget her. For me, she represents everything that a great person should be - compassionate, courageous with a wonderful sense of humour and dignity. She will be missed.
I fell in love with the Queen "Mum" when I visited England in 1983. One of our tour guides explained in depth her courageous achievements. Since then I have watched her display enormous dignity and grace. I will miss her special charm and qualities very much. God Bless her and her family.
She was a lovely lady, although she hasn't been around that long in my few years of life, she has certainly proved a lovely lady, and I'm so sorry to hear of her death and am well and truly sorry for her dear family and friends.
Stuart Wilkie, Plymouth, UK
The Queen Mother was grace personified, her dutiful life was an example to us all. We have been privileged to share our lives with her.
My grandmother-in-law died last year aged 101. Her life spanned three centuries. The Queen mum did not achieve this. The other difference was that she died having lived on the relative poverty of a state pension. However unlike the Queen mum she had no debts.
Can I just say that a lot of people do not care at all as there are more important things happening in the world than some old lady passing away. She had a long life and a very well off life compared to most people, so please stop the overkill.
Even though I have never met her, her influence and deeds are so great. She and the Queen are the most respectable people of the Royal family. The world will never be the same without her. She has been with us through the good and bad times, and we should never forget what she has done for this country when we needed her. If we are to truly respect her, then we all, and not just the Royal family, should carry on her good work and great self-dignity to make this world a better place.
Maurice O'Brien, Republic of Ireland
We send our deepest Sympathy to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Family
on the death of the Queen Mother. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother has been an example to us all. Her grace, gentleness and wit have been appreciated by all who love her, the world will not be the same without her. Her spirit will always be with us. May god bless & keep her safe.
A grand old Lady passed away, but Britain, this grand old Nation will always remember her with love and affection.
God save the Queen Mother;
God save the Queen
What a role model! Queen Elizabeth, the queen mother, showed us all, particularly women, that you could be strong and powerful without losing humour, graciousness or compassion. The world would be a better place if more of us followed the lead of this fine lady.
An American's goodbye to you:
Strong, loving, classy Queen Mum! When I was younger, I wished you were my grandmother. Your outfits were delightful, and your sense of humour made me realize you were real! The collection of dollhouses also entered into the fact that I wished you were my Grandma! And knowing you liked watching The Eastenders, made me smile. (I like Coronation Street myself.)My grandmother was Elizabeth Staton from Bolton, UK, and as a little girl I remember for quite a while after the war sending "care" packages to Bolton and Blackpool. May your family accept my deepest sympathy. You were one in a million!
Sarah Skilton, United Kingdom
I find it hard to believe that so much money is being wasted on this occasion. What about the real priorities in this country: the health service, education etc?
Sadness and memories go together, but never forgotten, the one who always held the Family and People together - Rest in Peace.
Oh our nation will miss our favourite Grandma, your twinkle will be missed.
As we mourn the loss of a beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother we give thanks for her lifetime of dedicated service to our nation and her example of courage, determination, consideration and thoughtfulness. We celebrate the life of a very special lady who made a very significant difference to the lives of those who knew her from afar.
Carol Reed, Canada
Peace, Love, and Godspeed. A truly elegant lady. May you have a safe journey "Home".
She will be missed!
With deepest sympathy
This gracious and dignified lady will live on as a role model to thousands of young people the world over. She will never be forgotten. May she rest in peace.
Tracy Groschel, U.S.A.
I have read all the comments made below, but I wish to add only this. To all those who say "abolish the royalty" I say that only a Queen like her could hold a nation/empire together during times of acute stress and strife as was during WWII. She inspired courage and confidence by remaining in London during the blitz, thereby setting an example and inspiring others to hold the line. That determination led to the ultimate victory of the Allies.
Please accept our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the royal family and the people of the British empire. A true lady has passed on. God bless each of you.
May God bless and keep you safe. Farewell, sweet rose of England. You will never be forgotten.
Your grace and dignity will always be missed.
Guenter Reichwein, Germany
Feltham St John Ambulance would like to extend our condolences to the Royal Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I would like to send my sincere condolences to the royal family, for the passing of a beautiful person our nation should be proud of.
A lady of grace and humility has passed our way.
I fondly remember watching her as she drove by in a parade through the military base my parents were stationed at. I was only 8 years old at the time being some 45 years ago but I remember as if it was yesterday. I remember because she left such a great impression of warmth and happiness with me. My mother and some other 40 ladies had tea with her that day. My mother was so thrilled and honoured to have spent some time with her even at arms length. We as Canadians have always had a deep loving admiration for the QUEEN MOM.
Pat Hanna, Canada
What a gracious lady. It marks the end of an era.
A woman who dedicated her life to Britain and its people. We are much poorer without her, may she rest in eternal peace.
Alan F. Millership, UK
We have all lost a wonderful person, who through the best of times and the worst of times, showed us all how to live our lives. She will be sadly missed. I would like to pass on the most sincere condolences to the Queen and her family at this sad time.
The Queen Mother was a magical person and will be greatly missed
We shall miss you.
A wonderful, charming and charismatic lady has left our midst. My first memories of her go back to the years following the war and the inspiration she provided to a battered nation. Her example surely helped Britain back to its feet. Has she ever been seen without that kind, compassionate smile? Goodbye Queen Mum - we will miss you so much.
The Queen Mother was not 'one of us' My Grandmother waited months for a hip operation and subsequently died.
Valerie Thomas, England
My Family has always been United Empire Loyalists. Loyal to the USA and Mother England. My sympathies and respects to the Windsors.
It's sad news, the Queen Mum no longer with us, but what a wonderful life she had. It's a shame half off it was without her beloved Bertie. Reunited now.
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy all of the royal Family and to those who knew and Loved The Queen Mother. I share in your grief, The Queen Mother was such an elegant and dignified lady. I will miss her lovely smile. I hope she rest in peace.
She was a beacon of light, in fact she was an era in herself. She laid an example for us of selflessness and truthfulness, pure as gold. She will be conspicuous by her absence, may her kind soul rest in peace where no other death will occur, amen.
The Queen Mother was 101. Even if she had died 20 years ago, at 81, she still would have had a good, long life. One cannot help wondering, however, if she would have lived quite so long if she had had to wait on NHS waiting lists for medical treatment.
Sonia Morris, Australia
I never knew her, in fact I'd never met her and yet I feel as though I've lost my own grandmother. What a lovely lady. So dignified and regal and yet seemed just like the rest of us. I send my deepest sympathies to the royal family. May we be happy knowing she is now at peace with her beloved King and Princess.
Thank you for bringing us such joy and light heartedness over the many years. When my own grandmother died just over 10 years ago you always reminded me of her as you were so full of life. Thank you.
Nice old dear - had a good innings - why all the fuss?
Nations best loved grandmother? To her family yes, not to me, I think my grandmother was pretty special.
I express my deepest condolence towards Queen's mother who died last Saturday. Hope that now she is with her resurrected Lord Jesus Christ
Your spirit and courage helped Britain in saving democracy for
all of us. Thank you, Elisabeth
I was devastated to hear the news of the Queen Mothers passing. My deepest condolences to with the Queen and the rest of the royal family. She will sorely missed. My thoughts are with you at all at this sad time. She had a long and wonderful life. It is an end of an era. Our country will never be the same again without her. Rest in peace, wonderful dear gentle lady.
A great and respected lady, My Mother (now 95) also refused to leave London during the war so of course I stayed too. I was at the railings of Buckingham Palace on Victory Day in May 1945. And I have always followed all the Royal Family but agree that the most loved and respected is the Queen 'Mum' My thoughts are with Her Majesty the
Queen at this time.
Alberta Addison, USA
I just cannot understand these sentiments at all - this death means nothing to me beyond a sense of sympathy for her immediate family which I feel whenever I hear of a death.
I cannot believe I am the only one in Britain left profoundly unmoved -and I am disturbed that you completely fail to show the variety of views in Britain but instead pander to this "nation in mourning" myth that I simply have not experienced.
Good to see an empress of India make a century. She will rest in peace, god bless her.
Stephen Bhatia, England
I feel very sad at the death of the Queen Mother as she has been there from the moment I was born. What a wonderful person she was, with a smile that could light up any place that she happened to be. Her life was truly remarkable and she touched the hearts of many people with her courage during the war and with all the public engagements she appeared at almost until the end of her life. Condolences to the Queen who I feel very sad for in this her Jubilee year, and all her family.
Shirley and David Orchard, daughter Julie in San Francisco U.S.A. and son Max in Ottawa, Canada.
Together with the people of Britain I mourn the death of a woman with a great heart. I will always remember how during the WWII she gave away her jewellery to help in the fight of Russian people against fascism. She'll always have a special place in my memories.
A former little girl from the Blockade of Leningrad.
B D Allen, USA
What a wonderful long life filled with so much. She was a beautiful person who did so much for England and the British people. My sympathy goes out to her family at this sad time.
I will never forget the time 50 plus years ago when I, as an 8-year-old with flag in hand, stood awaiting her motor vehicle to pass through. That friendly smile and wave and the message on TV that evening has been something that I have remembered with affection for all these years. My thoughts are with her family at this time. Thank you for your messages of wisdom and good will throughout.
Condolences to the Royal Family on the passing of the Queen Mum. The sadness that the world is feeling on the passing of a wonderful woman is immeasurable. Long live her strength and graciousness. In times of darkness the Queen Mum held strength. May you rest in peace and may the Lord be with you.
In a way she was a link between the present and a certain era that we read about in books and watch in movies and TV documentaries. Though she was born one year before the end of the Victorian era, she stood as a representative of everything noble and magnificent about it. In a turbulent time when nothing seems certain and when the world appears to be going mad, she was a beautiful reminder that all is not lost. With her radiant smile and flowery hats, she brought happiness to all. May God grant peace unto her kind and gentle soul.
Robyn Powell, England
It is truly a day of sorrow when the world's best-loved grandmother is taken from us all. Always strong, dignified and dutiful as a monarch, but never too proud to be caring and genuine to her subjects - as a person. Her exemplary ways will never be forgotten and neither will she. Sincere condolences to the Royal family, especially HM the Queen who has endured two devastating losses so close together.
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to all of the Royal Family and those who knew the Queen Mother. All Australians share your grief.
The Queen Mother was such an elegant and dignified lady.
I will miss her lovely warm smile.
I am just one person in a world of people that is writing in now. I don't expect to stand out or make any type of profound statement. I just wanted to say, that I found the lady to be one of the most amazing women of ours or any time. I have admired her for so long. The world is a colder place without her. Great Spirit bless her.
The Queen Mother was always
a lady, no matter what. She was
an inspiration to all women. I wish
I had the style she had. She will
always be remembered with the
utmost fondness and respect.
She will be deeply missed, we have lost a very special lady who never gave up her country in troubled times or ever faltered in her beliefs. She always put a smile on people's faces when they saw her. Rest in peace.
Quite simply she was a great lady, we are seeing history passing away and the country will never be quite the same again. My sincere condolences go the Queen, who deserves more than ever the love and respect of the British people.
Melissa Mitchell, USA
Coming from a country so divided on the subject of royalty, I don't think you will find a single person who will not say that the Queen Mum was an amazing lady and an inspiration to us all in the face of troubled times.
I always admired this wonderful lady. She was such a caring and compassionate person. My sympathy to her country and family.
Donna Henderson, Kingston, Canada
I never met you, yet I grew up with you. You were always a calm peace in the midst of much turmoil. May God watch over you in your new life.
Condolences. She was a truly inspirational lady who will be greatly missed. With deepest sympathy, may you rest in peace.
One of the first books I remember reading as a child was about the King and Queen of England and their two little daughters. I was intrigued and have followed their lives since then. I've read much about the Queen Mother's courage and inspiration to her country during World War II. As an adult I've been fortunate enough to spend some time in the UK and know how much she was admired. My sympathy to the Royal Family and the people of the UK.
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