Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first and only female prime minister passed away at 87 years-old on Monday following a stroke, USA Today reported.
Thatcher, who served at the prime minister position for 11 years, was born in 1925 to a grocer. She ultimately led Britain through a war in the Falklands and through tough economic times.
She helped privatize economic activities, although controversial at times, and stood up to powerful foes such as the Irish Republican Army.
The British government said she will receive full military honors at her funeral. Buckingham Palace issued a statement on behalf of the Queen in regards to the politician's death.
"The Queen is sad to hear the news of the death of Baroness Thatcher and Her Majesty will be sending a private message of sympathy to the family."
The Queen issued a ceremonial funeral, which is just short of a state funeral, USA Today reports. The ceremony will be held at St. Paul's Cathedral.
"Today is a truly sad day for our country," current Prime Minister, David Cameron said. "We've lost a great prime minister, a great leader, a great Briton. As our first woman prime minister, Margaret Thatcher succeeded against all the odds, and the real thing about Margaret Thatcher is that she didn't just lead our country, she saved our country, and I believe she'll go down as the greatest British peacetime prime minister."
President Barack Obama also expressed his condolences, calling Thatcher, "one of the great champions of freedom..."
"As prime minister, she helped restore the confidence and pride that has always been the hallmark of Britain at its best," he said. "And as an unapologetic supporter of our transatlantic alliance, she knew that with strength and resolve we could win the Cold War and extend freedom's promise."
Click here for more quotes from politicians regarding Thatcher's death. Click here to view pictures of the late prime minister.
