THE past decade has not been a good one for the Royal Family.

In the nine years since the death of Princess Diana, the country has come to terms with that terrible tragedy, but the groundswell of public anger over the treatment of Diana remains a vivid memory.

Messy divorces, misjudgements, tittle-tattle, and behaviour at times more akin to a soap opera, have undermined the nation's perception of the Royal Family and threatened the long-term health of the monarchy.

But throughout it all, despite being let down by some members of her family, the Queen has remained a beacon of dignity, displaying an incredible sense of duty.

There must surely have been times in private when she was in complete despair as the biggest crisis facing the monarchy since the Abdication unfolded.

But publicly at least, she has stayed strong and, as she celebrated her 80th birthday yesterday, the nation's respect for her remained secure.

Prince Charles has not fully recovered from the Diana factor - he never will. But he has built important bridges. His marriage to Camilla has been accepted, if not exactly celebrated. And Prince William appears to be a thoroughly decent young man with his mother's better qualities.

The long-term future of the monarchy seems more assured now than it has done since that unforgettable moment in August 1997 when news came through that Diana had been killed.

And for now, it is an opportune time to pay tribute to the Queen for holding it all together when others faltered.