The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, has written to The Queen to express his sadness and deepest sympathy at the death of her sister, Princess Margaret. His thoughts and prayers and those of the whole Catholic community are with all the members of the Royal Family and especially Viscount Linley and Lady Sarah Chatto at this very sad time.

In a personal letter, the Cardinal wrote to 'express my condolences and deepest sympathy with you on the death of Princess Margaret. I know that the prayers of the whole Catholic Community will be with you and Princess Margaret's family at this sad time.'

He said that 'there will be many tributes to your sister so I will just add my own memory of someone of great charm, vivacity and a profound faith in the Lord. Be assured of my own remembrance and prayers. I will be offering Mass for the repose of her soul.'