Thousands of people lined the streets of central London this morning to observe the final journey of former Prime Minister and Finchley MP Margaret Thatcher.

Baroness Thatcher, who passed away on Monday April 8 following a stroke, was carried in a full military procession from Westminster to St Paul’s Cathedral, where her service was attended by more than 2,300 people.

The route of the funeral cortège was lined by thousands of well-wishers, supporters and mourners, who applauded as the coffin passed.

Baroness Thatcher divided public opinion during her time as Prime Minister and pockets of protestors could be heard at points of the journey, but the limited number of muffled boos and shouting was largely drowned out by supporters.

Among the guests at a packed St Paul’s were the Queen and Prince Philip, as well as current and former British Prime Ministers.

David Cameron spoke at the service, describing Britain’s first female Prime Minister, who died aged 87, as “a brave woman, doing a difficult job”.

Times Series: Thatcher funeral wide shot

Picture: Getty Images

David Ison, Dean of St Paul’s, welcomed the congregation at the start of the ceremony, which was attended by Lady Thatcher’s children, Mark and Carol. Her grandchildren Michael and Amanda, who walked in front of the coffin as it was carried by members of the armed forces in to the cathedral.

The Conservative politician, nicknamed the Iron Lady because of her resolute leadership, will be cremated later at a private ceremony.

Barnet councillors held a minute’s silence at yesterday’s full council meeting to commemorate the funeral of the former Finchley MP, who served the constituency for more than 30 years from 1959.

Mayor of Barnet Brian Schama led 30 minutes of tributes to the “remarkable” leader he remembered for her excellent attention to detail and her continuing interest in Finchley, even after she retired from politics.

Leader of the council Richard Cornelius praised her “inspirational” qualities, such as her “ability to know what she wanted and do it”.

Millions of people are expected to have watched her funeral, which was televised around the world this morning.

More than 4,000 Metropolitan Police officers were put on duty in the capital to guard the event, which many thought would attract protests against the controversial former leader.

But there were few demonstrations as the coffin set off on its journey, being driven from Westminster to St Clement Danes Church – the central church of the RAF – in The Strand.

The coffin was then transferred to a horse-drawn First World War carriage of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery and led to St Paul’s by the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines Portsmouth, along a parade route lined by members of all three armed forces.

Hundreds of people gathered outside St Paul's to watch as Baroness Thatcher was carried up the steps and inside for the 45-minute ceremony before her coffin was led outside, to three cheers from the crowd, and on to the private crematorium.