WHETHER or not you are a supporter of the Royal Family, there is one thing nobody can deny about our Queen, she's a trouper.

Being the monarch isn't an easy job. Forget about being born with a silver spoon in the mouth, and having servants to attend to every need.

The reality of the Queen's life has been one of grinding duty. For more than 50 years since she ascended to the throne, her private life - if she can ever be said to have really had one - has taken second place to her public duty.

She has been a wonderful ambassador for this country around the world. She has made countless overseas visits, welcomed numberless foreign leaders, thrown endless state banquets. She has worked with a succession of Prime Ministers at home without once letting slip, in public at least, a hint of what she feels about them. And she has been a figurehead for the rest of us, shaking millions of hands, attending endless functions, and simply being there at times of crisis.

She was born to one Duke of York. She is mother to another. And she's been no stranger to the city with which she is so closely connected.

She was here last year, putting the Royal into Royal Ascot. But as our picture spread on Page 3 today shows, she has been a regular visitor down the years.

Other members of the Royal Family have not always behaved themselves with the selfless decorum that the Queen has managed to maintain.

But she has, always, given of her very best.

Which is why today, as she reaches 80, we say on behalf of the people of York: Happy Birthday, Ma'am.

Updated: 09:49 Friday, April 21, 2006