The Queen Mother's "strength, dignity and laughter", found an echo in the congregation at her funeral and those who waited patiently outside.

A total of 2,311 people inside Westminster Abbey heard Dr George Carey, the Archbishop of Canterbury, describe Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon as a mother, a mum, the Queen Mum.

As they left the building after the service one mourner could be heard to say: "She would definitely have approved".

While the public was encouraged to celebrate the long and eventful life of the Queen Mother, for her family the funeral remained patently a sad day.

In the first row, next to the coffin, sat the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince William, Prince Charles and Prince Harry.

At times their heads were bowed, at times they looked forward in quiet contemplation. Behind sat Prince Andrew the Duke of York, his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugene and the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

Sitting opposite was Prime Minister Tony Blair, who together with political figures both past and present came to pay his respects.

It was a dignified service, the hymns sung by the congregation with increasing emotion. When the Last Post sounded people could not help but feel moved.

When the Queen led the Royal Family out of the Abbey behind the coffin, she nodded and acknowledged those who had joined her in wishing her mother farewell.

Then it was the turn of the people waiting outside. They had made the day their own. As the coffin was driven away, bouquets of flowers were thrown in its path from behind the barriers.

One well-wisher, Sheila Wager, 65, from Hertfordshire, had waited all night outside the Abbey, in order to glimpse the funeral procession.

She said: "I've done this since I was 10 years old, my family have always attended Royal events, it's something we just had to do and it has been worth it".

Others who had been inside said the day was solemn but uplifting.

Evening Press editor Liz Page said: "There was an atmosphere of quiet dignity throughout. It was very moving without being emotional.

"It was a special day for all those there, from whatever walk of life, and it was an honour to represent the readers of the Evening Press and regional newspaper editors in England."

Updated: 15:48 Tuesday, April 09, 2002