Academics at The Queen's College, Oxford, are mourning the death of their patroness the Queen Mother.

The union flag and the Queen Mother's pennant are flying at half-mast, and dons are observing the official period of mourning announced by the university on Sunday.

A service of remembrance is also being planned at the college chapel.

Queen's, on the High Street, was the only Oxford University college with a Royal Patron. The position is only bestowed upon Queen consorts, and had been held by the Queen Mother since the succession of George VI. The position now stands empty.

The Provost Sir Alan Budd said: "It is obviously a very sad time for us. The Queen Mother was our patroness for a very long time indeed. She was rather special.

"She hadn't visited the college recently because she was too frail, but she used to visit and had great interest in the college. She felt it was a role that was important to her, even though it didn't really carry any duties with it."

The first patroness of Queen's was Queen Philippa, the wife of King Edward III, who reigned in the 14th century.

In 1948 the Queen Mother -- then the Duchess of York -- was awarded the university's highest honour, a Degree by Diploma.

The University of Oxford Shop in High Street holds a Royal Warrant from the Queen Mother, who was a keen collector of university memorabilia.

The shop's design manager, Raymond Stringer, designed a number of items for the Queen Mother, including a commemorative 100th birthday mug.

Senior assistant Stella Hambleton said: "We were proud of our link with the Queen Mother and were sad when we heard the news.

"We have often wrapped up presents for her on special occasions. She particularly liked our teapot cosies."