Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, has died of a stroke at the age of 87. Thatcher was United Kingdom Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990, the longest a British Prime Minister held the office in the 20th century. She is also the only woman to have held the post.

The British government says a ceremonial funeral with military honors will be held at London's St Paul's Cathedral. Tributes have been paid by leaders from around the world and across the political spectrum. Flags fly at half-mast over Buckingham Palace and No.10 Downing Street for Margaret Thatcher.

A grocer's daughter, she rose to the top of Britain's snobbish hierarchy the hard way, and envisioned a classless society that rewarded hard work and determination.

Prime Minister David Cameron said they've lost a great leader, a great Prime Minister and a great Briton.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair conceded that Thatcher had been right to challenge labor union power -- the traditional bedrock for Blair's own Labour Party. He said "very few leaders get to change not only the political landscape of their country but of the world. Margaret was such a leader. Her global impact was vast...You could not disrespect her character or her contribution to Britain's national life."

In Brussels European Union Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said he was "deeply saddened" to hear of her death.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said Thatcher's "firm determination to make reforms "was an inspiration to European leaders."

U.S. President Barack Obama said many Americans "will never forget her standing shoulder to shoulder with President Ronald Reagan, reminding the world that we are not simply carried along by the currents of history. We can shape them with moral conviction, unyielding courage and iron will." The flag of the United Kingdom embassy in Washington was lowered to half-mast.

(CNTV.cn April 9, 2013)