THERE is a great deal of excited anticipation ahead of the next few days.

Tomorrow, with the high expectations of the country upon them, England take on Sweden in the World Cup.

A victory will set up the nation perfectly for celebrations in honour of the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

While football will occupy the thoughts of many, it will be fitting if each of us will take a little time to mark the Queen's dedicated service to the nation over the past 50 years.

It will be an opportunity to reflect on the upheaval and rapid change the world has witnessed over a half a century.

A divided Europe is now a continent united more than at any time in its history. The British Empire has disappeared, but has been replaced by a Commonwealth which continues to bring together diverse countries from across the world.

Amid all these tumultuous changes, the Queen has ensured that the monarchy has remained a cornerstone of the United Kingdom, and indeed the Commonwealth.

While there have been criticisms of the monarchy's lethargy in responding to change, as an institution it remains at least as strong and secure as it was 50 years ago.

It is to the credit of the Queen that she has been able to steer an ancient institution through such turbulent times and ensure that it still has a vital role to play in the modern age.