Queen Mother: The tributes

The Queen Mother and King George VI at the Eisteddfod in Dyfed.

Churches throughout Wales have been remembering the Queen Mother in their Easter Sunday services following her death at 1515GMT on Saturday.

Political and community leaders have paid tribute, expressing sadness and affection.

The Queen offered moral support throughout the war years

The Anglican archbishop of Wales, the Most Reverend Dr Rowan Williams, said everyone would remember the Queen Mother as an example of stability, courage, wit and lightness of heart.

"Beneath the surface, she was a person of deep and undemonstrative faith which clearly informed all that she did," Dr Williams said.

"We shall be remembering her with great gratitude in our prayers this weekend.

"For the Queen, who has had two enormous bereavements in close succession, the message of Easter will have special power and resonance this year."

Surrounded by children each birthday

Also in Wales, First Minister Rhodri Morgan said: "It is with great sadness that I heard the news of the Queen Mother's death.

"She will always be remembered in Wales with great affection especially as she was queen during the dark days of Second World War.

"She and the King showed fortitude and forthright courage when they remained in London during the Blitz.

"We send our sympathies to the Royal Family, especially the Queen as the sad news comes in her Golden Jubilee year and so close to the death of her sister Princess Margaret."

The Secretary of State for Wales, Paul Murphy, said: "There will be very great sadness throughout Wales at the death of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

Russell Goodway said the Queen Mother "was a source of inspiration".

"This remarkable lady made many visits to Wales during the course of her life, particularly in support of charities and voluntary organisations.

"One of her last engagements in Wales was to the Madame Curie Home at Penarth where despite advancing years she showed deep compassion and understanding of the plight of others for which she was so famous.

"She will be remembered with great love by the people of Wales."

A National Book of Remembrance for the Queen Mother opened at City Hall in Cardiff at 1400GMT on Sunday.

People from all over Wales are invited to sign.

The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Russell Goodway said the Queen Mother was one of the outstanding figures of modern British history and he was sure that the people of Cardiff and the rest of Wales shared the nation's grief over her death.

Elizabeth enjoying the quiet happy years with the family

He said: "It was only a short while ago in Cardiff that I had the honour of taking part in a moving ceremony involving many veterans who did so much for the cause of freedom during World War Two."

"We must never forget the debt we owe to them and their generation and indeed the debt we owe to the Queen Mother, herself, who was a source of inspiration to our nation for so many years."

Bishop of St Asaph, John Davies, said people could write a message of condolence in a book for comments and prayer opened as a result of the September 11 terror attacks in America.

Keith Dunn, executive director of The Order of St. John and St. John Ambulance Brigade in Wales, said members of the organisation would like to express their condolences to the Royal Family.

He said: "Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, was our Commandant-in-Chief (Nursing) and was appointed to this role in 1928 when she was Duchess of York.

"The Queen Mother undertook an active role in the organisation and regularly made time to speak with St. John Ambulance volunteers who were providing First Aid duty at many Royal events, often referring to them as the 'St. Johnnies'."