Commenting on the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Iain Duncan Smith, the leader of the opposition, said:

"I am deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother a truly remarkable lady whose life spanned the entire twentieth century.

"Of course our immediate sympathies are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family. Their grief is shared by millions - not just here - but throughout the entire world.

"The Queen Mother radiated warmth and charm with a sense of fun that captivated everyone who met her. That is why wherever she went, carrying out engagements into her hundred and second year, large crowds were guaranteed to turn out for her.

"The affection in which The Queen Mother was held throughout the nation was evident during the celebrations that took place in 2000 for her hundredth birthday.

"Throughout her married life The Queen Mother was a tower of strength to her husband especially after he acceded to the Throne and together they ensured the survival of the Monarchy.

"People of my parents' generation remember the leadership and inspiration that the then King and Queen gave during the darkest days of the last war. They stood by our country as our country stood alone."My generation will never forget the emotion of her appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in 1995 to recreate the scene on VE day fifty years before.

"Whether she was touring the bombed cities during the war or carrying out charitable work she was adored wherever she went. We will all miss her enormously because she was the best of us all."