THERE were views expressed in some quarters a few days ago about the public's apparent apathy over the death of the Queen Mother.

Indeed, one national newspaper devoted its entire front page to a photograph depicting the absence of a queue of people waiting to sign a book of condolence.

The mistake, made by many, was to expect the same outpouring of grief and emotion which followed the death of the Princess of Wales in 1997.

But the deaths are incomparable.

The death of Diana was unique. Here was a young woman, killed in a tragic accident which stirred the consciousness of the nation and much of the world. Her death prompted shock, probably more than it prompted grief.

At the age of 101, the passing of the Queen Mother was not unexpected. The nation was prepared for the sad news when it came.

In the immediate days after her death was announced, there were expressions of sadness and reflection.

But it was a mistake to equate that response with indifference.

The respect for the Queen Mother was shown on Friday, when almost half a million people lined the streets of central London to pay their respects during the pageantry of the ceremonial procession.

And we have seen the public's affection and gratitude for the Queen Mother in the long queues of people waiting patiently for hours to file through Westminster Hall where her body lies in state.

It is somewhat reassuring that the British nation has demonstrated that it is still able to demonstrate its affection and respect for national figures with contemplative dignity, rather than resorting to the mass uncontrolled hysteria we witnessed when Diana died.

The level of love and affection felt for the Queen Mother must not be judged by comparison with the reaction to Diana's death.

It is more accurately gauged by the fact that her lying in state will be witnessed by more people that the lying in state of either her husband or Sir Winston Churchill.