Richard Lewis, The Associated Press A British policeman carries a bunch of flowers past other mourners at the entrance to Windsor Castle.

Peter J. Jordan, The Associated Press Mourners gather outside Clarence House in London yesterday

Tributes poured in yesterday for Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, who died on Saturday at the age of 101, praising her as a figure of courage who had won a cherished place in the hearts of millions.

"Today, all Canadians join me in expressing sorrow that a symbol to the world of abiding grace, dignity and personal courage has been taken from us," Jean Chrétien, the Prime Minister, said from Africa where he is preparing for a tour next week.

"We were blessed by her full life, made richer by her presence and example, and feel a profound sense of loss that her extraordinary spirit is gone."

The Queen Mother died in her sleep at Windsor Castle, west of London, following weeks of illness. She steered the monarchy through difficult years of war, crisis and change, as queen consort for 16 years until 1952, and later as royal matriarch.

Adrienne Clarkson, the Governor-General, who presented the Queen Mother with the Order of Canada in 2000, celebrated her long and remarkable life, which spanned more than a century and was shaken at times with radical and sometimes violent upheaval.

"We join in sorrow our friends throughout the Commonwealth who, like us, will miss the Queen Mother and all that her extraordinary character added to this century and the last," said Ms. Clarkson, who will sign a book of condolences today at Rideau Hall.

Flags on public buildings in Ottawa and across the country were lowered in tribute. They will remain at half-mast until sunset on the day of her funeral on April 9.

The Queen Mother visited Canada 11 times from 1939 to 1989, her unique warmth and grace winning her thousands of admirers across several generations.

Many of yesterday's tributes centred around her role during the Second World War, when she and her husband, King George VI, refused to leave London during the Nazi blitzkrieg.

The Queen Mother served as colonel-in-chief of three Canadian regiments, one of which, the Toronto Scottish, recently received the honour of the additional title Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother's Own -- the only military unit in the world to carry her name.

"She meant a tremendous amount to our regiment," said Lieutenant-Colonel Julian Chapman, commanding officer.

When last he saw her in July, 2001, she was spry and spoke of how much Canada meant to her.

"She always had a soft spot for Canada. She felt the Canadian people had really opened their arms to herself and the king on their first visit in 1939.

"To know Canada would be there in Britain's darkest hours was very important to her."

Canadian Legion branches also lowered their flags.

Canadians nationwide remembered the Queen Mother yesterday with the same warm mix of respect and affection she extended to her subjects throughout her long life.

Many left bouquets on the steps of provincial legislatures and at the British High Commission in Ottawa. Others sent messages of sympathy to a government Web site (www.commemoration.gc.ca).

In Edmonton, hockey fans rose in tribute with the playing of God Save the Queen rather than O Canada at the beginning of the Oilers-Dallas Stars game Saturday night.

In Ottawa, mourners stopped by, mostly in pairs, at Rideau Hall and the British High Commission, and to leave bouquets of flowers and messages of sympathy. They praised her courage, steadfastness, and humour.

"She's really the last of the real royals. The rest of them seem to be spoiled. They have no sense of duty," said Cyndy Morency, 41, who works in retail sales in Ottawa.

Bob Shannon, 47, who accompanied Ms. Morency to Rideau Hall, shared her affection.

"She was interested in her subjects. She enjoyed meeting people. She wasn't standoffish or aloof," he said.

World leaders also paid tribute yesterday. George W. Bush, the U.S. President, praised her as a "pillar of strength and inspiration to many people all over the world."

Tony Blair, the British Prime Minister, called the Queen Mother a symbol of British "decency and courage."

Yesterday, the coffin of the Queen Mother, draped with her Personal Standard and bearing a wreath of pink camellias, was borne through a sea of daffodils to the Royal Chapel of All Saints in Windsor Great Park.

Just over an hour later, Queen Elizabeth led the Royal Family in prayer. Among the royal mourners were Prince Charles, who was said to be "completely devastated" by the death of his grandmother, Prince William and Prince Harry, who flew back from a skiing holiday.

Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward and his wife the Countess of Wessex were also in attendance.