PEOPLE who met Princess Margaret when she opened Astley St Stephen's new school in the late 1960's will be saddened by the death of the Queen's sister.

She was the closest I have come to a royal, as I walked alongside her from the church to the school.

I remember her in her cream mini coat chatting away to the vicar, the Rev Bill King, and stopping to greet local Guide Leaders. She seemed very friendly and not a bit aloof.

It such a pity her death has come at a time when the Queen is starting to celebrate her 50 years on the throne and before the loss of the 101-years-old Queen Mother, who is not in the best of health.

No mother should have to see her children die, but sadly it happens all too often.