Books of condolence for Princess Margaret were today opened at St James's Palace. A steady trickle of people queued outside the Palace to be the first to sign at 9 a.m.
Some said the Princess's death marked an end of an era of royal history and they all recalled her colourful character with great affection.
After queuing at a hastily-constructed gate system, members of the public were shown into a tent where they were searched and then directed towards the entrance to the State apartments, where the books had been laid out on tables draped in black cloth.
The atmosphere was hushed in the red carpeted hallway, where ushers were on hand to greet mourners.
They were invited to choose a book on one of the tables to sign their name and write their address. A few added short personal messages of condolence.
Ms Barbara Girelli-Kent, one of the first to pay her respects, said: "I have great respect for the Royal Family. Princess Margaret was my era in the 1960s.
"She was symbolic of correctness, strength of character, and she had a mind of her own but great respect for Her Majesty the Queen and the royal institution. She was a trooper.
Ms Anthea Mander Lahr (57) from London said she had witnessed the funerals of both Diana, Princess of Wales, and Winston Churchill.
"She was a colourful character not much older than myself, added a bit of spice to life with her scandals," she said.
"Its such a nationalistic thing to say but it gives you pride of being British."
Australian John Fellowes (66) from Sydney, paid his respects on behalf of the Guards Association of New South Wales while on holiday in London.
He said: "To an older person it is a break with the past. I'm also reminded of what Mr Donne said many years ago - No man is an island.
"It is a changed era from when she was young and vital, and I suppose there's not so much interest in royalty today, but I am."
The books of condolence are expected to be open between 9am to 6pm every until Friday's funeral.
The Princess will be buried in a small private ceremony next Friday.
PA