The funeral of Baroness Thatcher, the first female British prime minister, is to take place at St .Paul's Cathedral in London. On the day before the funeral, Baroness Thatcher's coffin was moved to the Chapel of St. Mary Undercroft in the Palace of Westminster.

The Dean of Westminster led a short service for about 100 people. Her coffin remained there overnight. Now the doors to St. Paul's Cathedral have opened. And in a short while, the ceremonial route will be closed off to all traffic. The gun carriage will leave Wellington Barracks to carry Thatcher's coffin from the Chapel of St. Mary to St. Clement Danes Church. Street liners from the Royal |Navy and Royal Marines, the army and the Royal Air Force will take up position along the route.

The former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, passed away after suffering a stroke. She was 87 years old.

Thatcher led Britain's Conservatives to three election victories from 1979 to 1990. It was the longest continuous period in office by a British prime minister since the early 19th century. Thatcher was a key figure in the Cold War, and was closely aligned with US President Ronald Reagan, sharing anti-communist policies. She saw the Berlin Wall torn down during her time in office in 1989.

After the announcement of Thatcher's death, Prime Minister David Cameron cut short his trip to several European countries.

Former British prime minister Tony Blair, said she had a vast impact on the world.

And US President Barack Obama said with Thatcher's death, America has lost a "true friend". While former President George W. Bush echoed Blair's sentiment, calling Thatcher an "inspirational leader."

Buckingham Palace said Queen Elizabeth was saddened by the news, adding that she would be sending a private message of sympathy to the family today.

Baroness Thatcher has been awarded a ceremonial funeral with military honours - the same as for the Queen Mother and Diana, Princess of Wales. Just one step short of a state funeral - which is usually reserved for the sovereign as head of state.

The Chapel of St. Mary Undercroft was built by King Edward I in 1297, further developed under Edward II, and finally completed by Edward III around 1365. It was used as the place of worship for the Court and the Royal Household.

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