Royal funeral focus for papers

The funeral of the Queen Mother is, unsurprisingly, the focus of many of Tuesday's papers.

Most choose the same picture for their front pages, that of her four grandsons, standing, heads bowed, at the four corners of her coffin in Westminster Hall.

It takes up the entire front page of the Daily Mail under the banner headline 'The Vigil', while The Mirror adopts a similar approach with the words 'Thanks Ma'am and Goodbye, your death and the extraordinary events of the last nine days, have reminded us why the monarchy might just matter after all.'

The Daily Telegraph, The Sun and The Express use the picture but under a headline taken from the Queen's message to the nation: 'I thank you from my heart for the love you gave her.'

Even the Daily Star features the same story, in its own inimitable style with the headline 'Ta for loving my ma'.

In an editorial, The Sun says it will be a sad day but it also reminds readers of what it calls the Queen's words of encouragement - that it should also be a joyous remembrance of her mother's wonderful life and her contribution to the amazing century her life spanned.

The Times leads its coverage on a discreet four minute visit to Westminster Hall by Camilla Parker Bowles during the vigil by Prince Charles.

Meanwhile, the traditionally royal-shy Independent carries the picture of the grandsons and even skirts around a rare royal family lead, running with an N.O.P opinion poll conducted for the paper which apparently indicates a big rise in support for the monarchy.

Middle East 'anger'

The other main story on the front pages is what several papers describe as the growing anger in Washington at Israel's continued offensive in Palestinian territory.

The Times quotes American officials as saying President Bush's authority was being undermined by Israel leader Ariel Sharon's intransigence.

The Guardian leads its front page on the story and, in an editorial, accuses the Israeli Government of a campaign of terror against the Palestinians.

The paper also highlights the occupation of a deserted al-Qaeda cave complex in Afghanistan by Royal Marine commandos.

It says the covert operation, witnessed by its reporter and photographer, was to minimise risks for American troops in the region and marked Britain's first overseas combat deployment since the Gulf War a decade ago.

Elvis lives ...again

On a lighter note, the Daily Express and The Sun are among a number of papers reporting that Elvis is alive and well and living in Sutton Coldfield.

They show pictures of a life-sized statue of the King, standing unharmed after a 20-ton runaway dust cart crashed through the home of thirty-year-old Colin Campbell.

It demolished much of the property and exposed Elvis standing at a microphone in Mr Campbell's bedroom.

Mr Campbell was also unhurt.

The Express headline; 'Elvis the Great Survivor'.