ARDENT royalist Anita Atkinson has certainly stirred up a storm by barring three women who refused to stand for the National Anthem in her diamond jubilee-themed tea room.

Standing up for the Queen should be a matter of personal choice and Mrs Atkinson’s actions have become a talking point nationwide.

We do, however, have sympathy for her point of view. Her tea room, in Stanhope, is clearly designed to be a tribute to the Queen, so anyone who doesn’t want to enter into the royal spirit should sip their tea elsewhere.

Whatever the rights and wrongs of the Stanhope storm in a teacup, we have sensed clear enthusiasm among our readers for the jubilee celebrations.

For example, our children’s competition to create a portrait of the Queen has met with a response which has exceeded our wildest expectations.

We also confidently expect to see lots of community celebrations and street parties in a colourful demonstration of patriotism next month.

Attitudes to the monarchy have been well and truly tested in recent times, particularly after the death of Princess Diana.

But Prince William’s marriage to Kate Middleton, together with widespread admiration for Prince Harry’s service on the front-line in Afghanistan, have done much to repair the damage.

The Queen has reigned through challenging times, but she has served Britain admirably for 60 years and all the signs are that the country is keen to pay her an appropriate tribute.