Family sells newspapers.

And contrary to popular opinion it is not just the bad news that interests readers.

Britons still love to read of the day-to-day affairs of the Royal Family, particularly when they are on overseas tours.

So the media corps that follows them around play an important role in keeping Britain in touch with events in other countries.

Around 20 foreign Press are expected on the Island over the next two days to feed the Royal-crazy newspapers, particularly those in England.

Add to that 40 accredited members of the local media and the Press party will total some 60 people.

The job of organising that group which, from past experience, is never straightforward, falls into the lap of Government Information Services.

Information officer Mrs. Valerie Pethen has some experience of previous visits by leading political figures and is well prepared for the influx of reporters.

Already confirmed, at the time of going to press, were the British Broadcasting Corporation, the Daily Telegraph, the Daily Express, the Times and various British, American, Canadian and French news agencies.

Also local "stringers'' on the Island will be sending copy back to Associated Press in the United States, Reuters in London and the Caribbean News Agency, boosting Bermuda's image worldwide.

GIS has prepared a media package for every member of the Press who will be covering the visit.

The packages contain details about the tour and background information about Bermuda.

They are adorned with the Bermuda Lily, in recognition of the bouquet of Easter Lilies sent from Bermuda to the Queen every Easter for the past 40 years. The lilies also appear on press cards, stickers and passes handed out to the media.

In 1991, reporters covering the Bermuda Summit between British Prime Minister John Major and the then US President George Bush were given packs with the cover depicting a traditional Bermuda roof.

And in 1990, when President Bush and Margaret Thatcher held talks over Easter, the Press packs featured a kite.

Mrs. Pethen noted: "It is something that people like to have and keep to remember their trips to Bermuda.''