The Queen has spoken of how she has been "deeply moved by the outpouring of affection" for the Queen Mother.

In a rare break with protocol she paid a final tribute to her mother and described the tributes from the public as "overwhelming".

During the pre-recorded television address from Windsor Castle broadcast on Monday night The Queen thanked the nation for the sympathy shown to the Royal Family in the days following the death of The Queen Mother.

The brief address, which will set the tone for Tuesday's funeral at Westminster Abbey, had a personal tone.

"Over the years I have met many people who have had to cope with family loss, sometimes in the most tragic of circumstances. So I count myself fortunate that my mother was blessed with a long and happy life," The Queen said.

The Queen hoped that at the funeral "sadness will blend with a wider sense of thanksgiving, not just for her life but for the times in which she lived".

The last time The Queen made a similar broadcast came after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales when she gave a live TV statement from Buckingham Palace.

The Queen ended with a simple message to the nation for the appreciation shown to her mother during her long life of public service.

"I thank you from my heart for the love you gave her during her life and the honour you now give her in death," she said.