The Queen of England, Elizabeth II expressed her thanks this evening for the love and respect shown to her mother by members of the British public.
The Queen, dressed in black, says she had been deeply moved by the outpouring of affection and the overwhelming numbers of people paying their respects since the Queen Mother's death.
The Queen, who recorded her message for television and radio, says she hopes the Westminster Abbey funeral service will blend sadness with a wider sense of thanksgiving.
"I thank you for the support you are giving me and my family as we come to terms with her death and the void she has left in our midst," the Queen said.
With sadness, she continued: "I thank you also from my heart for the love you gave her during her life and the honour you now give her in death."
Speaking at Windsor Castle, the Queen said: "Over the years I have met many people who have had to cope with family loss, sometimes in the most tragic of circumstances. So I count myself fortunate that my mother was blessed with a long and happy life.
"She had an infectious zest for living, and this remained with her until the very end. I know too that her faith was always a great strength to her."
She said: "Ever since my beloved mother died over a week ago I have been deeply moved by the outpouring of affection which has accompanied her death. My family and I always knew what she meant for the people of this country and the special place she occupied in the hearts of so many here, in the Commonwealth and in other parts of the world.
"But the extent of the tribute that huge numbers of you have paid my mother in the last few days has been overwhelming. I have drawn great comfort from so many individual acts of kindness and respect."
As the Queen spoke, thousands were still queuing to pay their respects at the Queen Mother's coffin as it lies in state in Westminster Hall.
PA