The Queen Mother attended the flower show for 50 years

She was also a member of Sandringham Women's Institute.

During the day visitors have been leaving flowers at the main gates to the royal estate.

A steady stream of people have also been signing the book of condolence.

Prayers were also said in the morning service at the Church of St Mary Magdalen on the estate.

Marjorie Prior, of Helhoughton, Norfolk, was one of the many people leaving flowers.

"She was a lovely lady. We always used to come and see her when she visited the Sandringham Flower Show."

'Devotion to duty'

Mrs Prior's daughter, Wendy, from Drayton in Norfolk, said: "I felt I wanted to come and pay tribute because I have been coming to see her here for many years since I was a child."

Canon George Hall, the rector of Sandringham, paid tribute to the Queen Mother during the church service.

"We give thanks to God for the life and example of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother," said Canon Hall.

The Queen Mother was a regular visit to the estate

"For her devotion to duty in the service of this country and the Commonwealth in war and in peace."

Canon Hall recalled an occasion 40 years ago when he was 24 and acting as chaplain to the Queen Mother at an event in a church in Camberwell, south London.

He said three photographers were covering the event and explained: "Her Majesty stopped and smiled to each of them separately.

"She then turned to me and with a lovely smile on her face she said `Young man, always remember to give people time'.

He added: "Queen Elizabeth believed in bringing the best out in people.

"She was intensely interested in each person she met and each person was treated in a unique manner."

He said the Queen Mother was an "outstanding lady who was much loved and who will be much missed".