Princess was an 'inspiration'

Princess Margaret died after suffering a stroke

A former lady in waiting in the Royal household has paid tribute to Princess Margaret, as prayers are said by Sunday worshippers for the Royal family throughout Northern Ireland.

The 71-year-old younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II died at King Edward VII Hospital after suffering a stroke and developing heart problems on Friday and during the night.

Lady Moyra Campbell, speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Sunday Sequence from her home in Randalstown, County Antrim, said she was "saddened" by the news of the Princess's death.

All of us who met her and enjoyed her visits here will always remember that we just felt we must do that bit much more because of the example she was setting us

Lady Moyra Campbell

As a trustee of the NSPCC in Northern Ireland she met Princess Margaret many times over the years and described here as an "inspiration" for her and others in the NSPCC in the province.

"All of us who met her and enjoyed her visits here will always remember that we just felt we must do that bit much more because of the example she was setting us," she said.

Church congregations in the province have been saying special prayers for Princess Margaret as the Royal family started its period of mourning.

Politicians and church leaders have also spoken of their respect for the princess, who visited Northern Ireland nine times from 1947 to 1996.

Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid said he was "deeply saddened" to hear of her death.

"Over many years she made a great contribution to Northern Ireland organisations and charities," he said.

Northern Ireland First Minister David Trimble and Deputy First Minister Mark Durkan said "the contribution she made to many charities and voluntary organisations during her life will be missed".

The princess had been suffering ill-health in recent years

Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern expressed also his sympathy to the Royal family.

The Union Flag at Belfast City Hall has been flying at half-mast as the city's Lord Mayor, Jim Rodgers, said the city's thoughts and prayers were with the Queen, Queen Mother and the Royal family.

Northern Ireland Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan also said he was saddened to hear of Princess Margaret's death.

The moderator of the Presbyterian church in Ireland, Dr Alastair Dunlop, said he shared "the nation's sadness at the death of Princess Margaret".

The chief commissioner of the Guides Association in Northern Ireland said Princess Margaret, who was president of the Girl Guides Association, would be "very much missed".

Lorna Dane said that she had visited local guides at their centre, Lorne House, to present girls with their Queen's Guide Awards.

Princess Margaret's last visit to Northern Ireland was in 1996. As president of the children's charity the NSPCC, she performed the official opening of Ballymena children's centre in the County Antrim town.

In October 1995 she officially opened the UK's first unit dedicated to ovarian cancer research at Belfast City Hospital.