TRIBUTES to Princess Margaret have been paid from people across Kent following her death at the weekend. The crowd at Saturday's soocer match between Gillingham and Wimbledon at Priestfield Stadium observed a minute's silence before kick-off.

Churches across the county have been praying for the Royal Family. Rochester Castle was among the landmarks to have its flag at half-mast. The Mayor of Medway, Cllr Tony Goulden, said: "It's very sad news. We are all thinking about her family and I think we are going to remember Margaret for the beautiful young lady that she once was. We all knew that sadly she had been in poor health."

Cllr Tom Mason, who has been Mayor twice, said the Princess's death at the beginning of the Queen's Jubilee year was particularly poignant. "It's a very sad day for the Royal Family and I imagine it will be very difficult for them to come to terms with," he said.

Paul Foster, chairman of Gillingham Conservative Association, said: "Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are sent to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, Viscount Linley, Lady Sarah Chatto, and all the Royal Family."