LONDON, March 31 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - Leaders from around the world have been paying tribute to the Queen Mother, who died on Saturday, March 30, at the age of 101, news agencies reported.

U.S. President George W. Bush was among the first to send condolences. The White House said Bush and his wife Laura were "deeply saddened" by her death, BBC’s online service reported.

There were also tributes from many Commonwealth countries, including Canada and Australia where the Queen is monarch.

"Although we mourn her passing, it is an occasion to give thanks for a very long and special life," said Australia's Prime Minister, John Howard.

"The Queen Mother's remarkable life, spanning the entire period of Australia as a federation, was one dedicated to service, duty, support and her family," Howard said in a statement.

Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien said the Queen Mother would be remembered for her "galvanizing devotion to duty during the darkest hours of World War II."

He said "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.

"The life of the Queen Mother spanned more than a century of breathtaking change and global transformation. Throughout, she was a touchstone of timeless values and continuity.”

French President Jacques Chirac sent one of Europe's warmest tributes, saying the Queen Mother was part of the "fabric of the century" and praising her "courage and her simplicity."

Germany's President Johannes Rau also expressed his country's admiration for the Queen Mother. "She treated people in a friendly way, with sympathy and interest," he said in a telegram to the Queen.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent the Queen and the British people his condolences soon after the announcement of the Queen Mother's death, presidential press secretary Alexei Gromov told Russian news agency Itar-Tass.

Republic of Ireland President Mary McAleese offered the royal family and the British people her nation's sympathies over the tragedy.

News of the Queen Mother's death shocked royal families across Europe, many of whose members considered themselves friends.

Queen Elizabeth II was at her mother's side when she passed away. The queen mother had been rarely seen in recent months because of her failing health.

The queen mother "had become increasingly frail in recent weeks following her bad cough and chest infection over Christmas," said a Palace spokesman, who was not named in keeping with tradition.

She was best known to younger generations as the mother of Queen Elizabeth II and grandmother of Prince Charles. Remarkably sprightly despite her age, the queen mother was a fixture at royal occasions, delighting in mixing with the public and greeting people who flocked to meet her.