London - Britain's royal family turned out in force Tuesday to unveil a bronze memorial of the late Queen Mother, whose death aged 101 prompted an extraordinary outpouring of grief seven years ago.

Queen Elizabeth II, 82, and her husband Prince Philip, 87, led the unveiling ceremony in The Mall Tuesday, which was attended by the queen's four children and some of her grandchildren, including the princes William and Harry.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife, Sarah, were also present at the unveiling of the bronze statue, which shows the royal matriarch with a vague smile and in ceremonial robe.

The 2.70-metre memorial to the Queen Mum, as she was known, is placed next to one dedicated to her husband, King George VI, who died, aged 56, of lung cancer on February 6, 1952.

The young Princess Elizabeth, now the queen, ascended to the throne on that day. (dpa)