PRIME Minister P J Patterson said last night that he was saddened by the death of Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, who died Saturday from a stroke. She was 71 years old.

Patterson said that a condolence message on behalf of the government and people of Jamaica would be sent to Buckingham Palace.

“It is with deep regret and sadness that I have learnt of the passing this morning of Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret,” a statement by Patterson issued from Jamaica House said.

“We are the more saddened at her passing as it comes at a time when we are engaged in preparations to welcome Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to Jamaica.”

Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh are expected to arrive in Kingston next Monday as part of celebrations for the 50th anniversary of her reign. Buckingham Palace said the visit would go ahead as planned.

“We recall with fondness the Princess’ visits to Jamaica, most notably that in 1962 when she represented Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of Jamaica’s independence celebrations. Even before that there was the naming in the Princess’ honour the Princess Margaret Hospital in Morant Bay, St Thomas, which was officially opened by the Princess on February 23, 1955,” Patterson’s statement said.

The Princess’s 1962 visit was also noted by Opposition leader Edward Seaga, who, too, said he was saddened by her passing.

“We all have the cherished memory of her visit to Jamaica on the occasion of our Independence and the memorable photographs of her dancing with Sir Alexander Bustamante,” Seaga’s statement said. He added that officials of both the government and the Opposition benefited from her “delightful visit” and kind interest in the welfare of the people. “She remains in our memory as a vibrant and beautiful princess,” Seaga said.

Prime Minister Patterson said the Princess was well known for her devotion to charitable causes and to the arts. He said she would also long be remembered for her life-long dedication to the welfare and protection of children as well as for her commitment to the Girl Guides Movement.

“Her life was marked by graciousness and her sterling contribution to her country and to the Commonwealth and will stand as a lasting tribute,” Patterson said.

“We convey our deep sympathies to Her Majesty the Queen, to the Queen Mother, to the Princess’ two children and to the other members of the bereaved Royal Family.”

Governor-general, Sir Howard Cooke, said throughout her life, both in her official duties and in her personal life, the Princess displayed an interest in, and a love of life and all that it had to offer.

He extended sympathies to her family and friends as well as the people of the United Kingdom.