AS with every great royal occasion, the 50th anniversary today of the Queen's Coronation brings familiar questions as to the monarchy's purpose and support.

There is no doubt that, at the hands of ever-increasing media attention, it is far from the remote, mystique-filled institution that half-a-century ago commanded automatic loyalty.

But even in our much more cynical age it appears immensely popular still - just as the huge celebrations for the Golden Jubilee last year suggested.

But perhaps this is more a measure of regard for the Queen herself than for the Crown itself, or for the royal family.

For, certainly, its role as the fount of the model family has - after numerous scandals within it -- become ragged.

Yet throughout the turmoils, the always duty-conscious Queen has personally remained above it all.

In short, she has done a difficult job magnificently and, as a result, been the model queen that has kept the monarchy majestic and accepted, if not as revered as it was 50 years ago.