Carol Thatcher: Tears from the Iron Lady's daughter
MARGARET Thatcher's daughter today thanked well-wishers in an emotional speech outside the family home.
Carol Thatcher said she had drawn comfort from messages of support she had received since Baroness Thatcher died on Monday.
Ms Thatcher said her mother had been certain she had left a legacy after serving as Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990.
She said: "My mother once said to me: 'Carol, I think my place in history is assured'.
"The magnificent tributes this week, the wonderful words of President Obama, and others of colleagues who once worked alongside her, have proved her right."
It's a deeply sad and rather thought-provoking moment in life
The funeral of Baroness Thatcher, who died after suffering a stroke, will be held at St Paul's Cathedral on Wednesday, April 21.
It will be a "tough and tearful week, even for the daughter of the Iron Lady," Ms Thatcher added.
"I would just like to say that I feel like anyone else who has just lost a second parent.
"It's a deeply sad and rather thought-provoking moment in life."
It was announced last night that MPs and peers will be able to pay their respects to Lady Thatcher in Parliament's Chapel of St Mary Undercroft on the eve of her funeral.
The chapel will be open on Tuesday evening so members and staff from both Houses can visit the former prime minister's coffin.
Around 100 people will also be invited to a short service led by the Dean of Westminster welcoming Lady Thatcher's body.
Downing Street said Lady Thatcher had requested her body rest overnight in the historic chapel, and the Queen had given her consent.
"There will be a short service for around 100 people, led by the Dean of Westminster, to receive the body of Baroness Thatcher in the chapel," a spokesman said.