Sir John Swan said former American First Lady Barbara Bush was a “standard bearer”.

The former premier was speaking after Ms Bush, the wife of former President George H.W. Bush, died on Tuesday aged 92.

Sir John said: “She was a very special lady. She would have fun and laugh, but she was steadfast in her high values and her high ideals.

“She loved Bermuda. Both she and her husband had this genuine affection for Bermuda and its people. She is going to be missed because she is a standard bearer of what a First Lady should be.”

Sir John said he first met Mr Bush in Australia in 1978 and the two families later became close.

He said: “Mrs Bush and my wife got on very well and they did many things together.

“They invited us to openings in Texas and the christening of the George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier.

The Bushes had travelled to Bermuda but never in an official function.