The Archbishop of Canterbury said: "It was with sadness that I heard the news of the death of Baroness Thatcher and my prayers are with her son and daughter, her grandchildren, family and friends.
"It is right that today we give thanks for a life devoted to public service, acknowledging also the faith that inspired and sustained her.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury has officially been enthroned as the service in Canterbury comes to an end.
The archbishop delivered a final blessing to the congregation as the procession was led out of the cathedral.
The Most Rev Justin Welby has arrived at Canterbury Cathedral for his enthronement.
Prime Minister David Cameron, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall are among those watching as the Most Rev Welby becomes the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Archbishop Welby has praised the social responsibility of the founders of Cadbury and Bournville in an interview on the day of his official installation as Archbishop.
He was discussing the Living Wage.
"What we need to seek is organisations like some of the great companies of the past like Cadbury's and Bournville who have a deep sense of social utility and social value, that's very much part of Christian teaching, social teaching, that a company is there to serve the community"
The Archbishop of Canterbury will today be officially installed, wearing robes designed by a dressmaker from Derby.
Read the full storyJustin Welby is to be officially installed as the Archbishop of Canterbury today.
Last week he toured the country, visiting Coventry where his church career first began.
He has praised the number of people who turned out in cities across the country to share the Word of God.
Justin Welby is to be officially installed as the Archbishop of Canterbury today.
Archbishop Welby was ordained in Coventry and spent fifteen years there serving the people of Coventry and Warwickshire.
He visited the city last week during his tour of the country, leading up to his enthronement.
Most Rev Justin Welby will be enthroned as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury later today.
He told to ITV News Social Affairs Editor Penny Marshall that the UK should encourage companies like, "some of the great companies of the past like Cadbury's, who have a deep sense of social utility and social value," to help those on the lowest wages.
