THE monarchy and its image will be examined at a conference in Durham this weekend.

The event, called The Monarchy: Inventing Tradition?, is being organised by Durham University, and will be held on Saturday in the Debating Chamber, Palace Green, from10am.

It will be chaired by newscaster and former ITN royal correspondent, Rob Butler.

Keynote speakers include Professor Ben Pimlott, biographer of the Queen, Dr Justin Champion, who is filming Kings and Queens for ITV, Clifford Longley, of The Times and the Daily Telegraph, Stephen Bates. of The Guardian, Dr John Plunkett, of Exeter University, who is a specialist on Queen Victoria and the media, and Dr Martin Farr, of Newcastle, who will be speaking on the monarchy, commonwealth and empire.

A society spokesman said: "The conference is designed to investigate the ways in which the British monarchy has evolved and, arguably, manipulated, in order to preserve its role in modern society. That the issue of the monarchy is topical is undeniable. Perpetuated by the media, everyone is familiar with the presence of the royal family in today's society.

"Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee celebrations, the death of Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother, controversies over Prince Harry, Prince Charles and the Wessexes, not to mention the Paul Burrell affair, have all provoked reflection on the role and importance of the monarchy.'