Queen Mother dies aged 101

Death of the Queen Mother

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The Queen Mother died peacefully in her sleep this afternoon at the age of 101, Buckingham Palace announced today.

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

Weakened by a recent bad cough and chest infection, the Queen Mother's condition deteriorated this 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.