Time adds majesty to Dimblebys' reports

The hereditary principle which states that a Dimbleby must handmaiden events of national portent realised its expression today when brothers David and Jonathan chaired BBC1 and ITV's rival coverage.

Fifty years ago their father, Richard, commentated on the funeral of the Queen Mother's husband, George VI, for the BBC. Times change. For David, after the fumbling of last Saturday, his job was to save the BBC. His tie, for one thing, could not have been blacker, but that did not mean he was going to fib. There were not many people camping out last night along the funeral route, he said. This was not a repeat of Diana.

For Jonathan, who came into his inheritance late, only becoming ITV's election frontman in 1997, his task was different: to prove himself a true member of the Dimbleby dynasty. His tie was as dark as his brother's but broader, as was his commentary, commanding that this procession must "surely touch the hearts of millions".

Like royalty itself, for most of the time the Dimblebys had little to do, the bulk of the commentary being handled by others.

David got back into the act only when the coffin reached Westminster Hall at noon and Jonathan was not heard again until 17 minutes later.

The break had given him time to notice how many young people had turned out sparking his guest, Robert Lacey, to call the Queen Mother the "people's princess of her day". Jonathan, loyal biographer of Charles, let the comment pass.

Back on BBC1, David really was emoting. Removing his glasses, he declared it all "a really splendid sight, a moving sight".

Once upon a time, both Dimblebys were thought of as rebels, grilling Tories. Time adds majesty. Though they are there by accident of birth, which commoner could do what they do better?