Tributes poured in last night for the Queen Mother, who died on Saturday morning aged 101.

News of the passing of Britain's most popular Royal cast a dark shadow over the Easter Holiday weekend for a number of leading figures in Bermuda.

Even though she was more than a century old, and becoming increasingly frail, many said they had been shocked and saddened when the news arrived.

Premier Jennifer Smith last night expressed her regret. “I would like to extend sincere condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda to Her Majesty The Queen and to all members of the Royal Family at this very sad time.

“Her Majesty The Queen Mother embodied timeless values, such as duty, resilience and honour. It was because of these that The Queen Mother won such a special place in the hearts of people around the world, and particularly in the Commonwealth and in those territories, such as Bermuda, with close links to Britain.

“She will be sorely missed by us all.”

As a sign of respect, flags on all Government buildings will be flown at half mast from today until further notice.

Acting Governor Tim Gurney said Bermuda would be writing to Queen Elizabeth II and her family to pass on condolences from its people.

Mr. Gurney said: “We were very saddened to hear the news. We obviously extend our deepest sympathy to Her Majesty the Queen. It's been a very difficult start to the year for her.

“We will be writing and sending our condolences, and a condolence book will be opened at Government House on Monday morning.”

Leader of the Opposition United Bermuda Party (UBP) Dr. Grant Gibbons said he would remember the Queen Mother as someone who had had a very remarkable, long and productive life.

He said: “She endeared herself to the British people through her concern for people and her personal warmth.

“She was held in high regard throughout the world and I am sure the people of Bermuda will be sending sincere wishes of condolence to Queen Elizabeth and her family.”

The Queen Mother, whose real name was Elizabeth Marguerite Bowes-Lyon, and her husband King George VI, became a symbol of courage for the entire British nation at a time of war, staying in London during the blitz and supporting and encouraging the destitute and homeless.

Since then, she played a role as the stabilising force for a Royal Family that was not without its trials and tribulations. Those are just some of her qualities that endeared her to people all over the world, including in Bermuda, such as chairman of the UBP Wayne Furbert, Royalist Joyce Thomas-Hall and others.

“She had been through many attacks against her country during the world war and she stood her ground'” said Mr. Furbert.

“Even through her sickness, she stood the test of time and was a pillar to the Commonwealth.

“She was a grand old lady who many people respected as an elder statesperson when the monarchy was going through its own tests and trials.

“Those who believed in the monarchy could still look up to The Queen Mother and The Queen, who stood for strength.”

However, the monarchy will carry on after its grieving period, said Bermuda Royalist Joyce Thomas-Hall.

She said: “She had served her country well and served all of us well.

“She set a good example of courage and had a sense of duty - all during the blitz she stayed in London with bombs falling all over the place. She and her husband would go down and meet with the people in the shelters who were destitute and homeless and she was greatly respected and revered. And so one knew she had to go at some time but it's a time of sadness.”

While a number of members of the Royal Family have visited Bermuda over the years, the Queen Mother had not.

Elder statesman Sir John Plowman, who is 93, described The Queen Mother as “a great figure in British life for really almost as long as I can remember.”

He added that she had brought stability to Britain and was a “tremendous influence on how things developed.”

He added: “I don't think there will be another figure in British politics which will provide the type of leadership which she and her husband provided.”