The Queen Mother has died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 101.The Queen was at her mother's bedside when she passed away at Royal Lodge, her Windsor residence.Among the early tributes was a special edition of The Evening Star, with an eight-page pictorial supplement in memory of Britain's most-loved Royal.

The Queen Mother has died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 101.

The Queen was at her mother's bedside when she passed away at Royal Lodge, her Windsor residence.

Weakened by a cough and chest infection, the Queen Mother's condition deteriorated on Saturday morning and her doctors were called.

Buckingham Palace said: "The Queen, with the greatest sadness, has asked for the following announcement to be made immediately: Her beloved mother, Queen Elizabeth, died peacefully in her sleep this afternoon at Royal Lodge, Windsor."

The Palace spokesman continued: "Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother had become increasingly frail in recent weeks following her bad cough and chest infection over Christmas.

"Her condition deteriorated this morning and her doctors were called.

"Queen Elizabeth died peacefully in her sleep at 3.15 this afternoon at Royal Lodge.

"The Queen was at her mother's bedside.'

The Queen Mother's coffin is expected to be taken to the Royal Chapel of All Saints in Windsor Great Park tomorrow morning.

No decision has yet been taken on whether the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family will attend Easter service as planned at St George's Chapel at Windsor tomorrow.

Prince Charles and his sons were expected to fly home immediately from their skiing holiday at Klosters, while the Duke of York makes plans to return from the Caribbean.

Her death comes less than two months after her youngest daughter Princess Margaret passed away at the age of 71.

Among the tributes pouring in, prime minister Tony Blair said the Queen Mother had been a symbol of Britain's "decency and courage".

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey, leader of the Church of England, said: "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."