Liz's Diamond Jubilee

Watching the news, the country appears to not only be gearing itself up for the Olympics, but also for the Queen's Diamond jubilee. Now that really is something to celebrate.

She's a game old bird, is Liz. Thrust into a role for which she had not been prepared as a very young girl, having to catch up only later in her youth when her uncle abdicated, she came to the throne aged 25 much earlier than anyone expected and has presided over a country which has changed enormously for 60 years. She has weathered scandal, natural disaster, minor wars and several governments and always appeared calm and unruffled. Dragged into the controversy of Princess Diana's death when she would much rather have privately been caring for her grandsons, she showed that albeit unwillingly, she could stand in the public eye admitting that she may have misjudged a situation and still win people's hearts and minds.

As you may have guessed I am, in a fairly passive way, a royalist. At any rate, I think it's a damn sight better than any possible alternative. On a per capita basis, it doesn't actually cost us that much and the positive PR it gives us is invaluable. A recent survey showed that satisfaction with the monarchy is running at at 70% and that is pretty consistent, amazing in the 21st century for what coud be considered an outdated institution. Satisfaction with the Queen herself usually tops 80%.

It's a shame about the rest of the family, many of which seem pretty much to be a waste of space. William is OK, and Kate seems a nice young woman, but Harry would appear to be a bit of a waster with an expensive taste in cocktails (the thing he drinks in Boujis, a club in South Kensington, costs £350 a pop (it contains real gold flakes apparently) and if you believe the gossip magazines he regularly runs up drinks bills there of several thousands). We're paying for that. Beatrice and Eugenie don't seem to have any real use in life, and don't get me started on the well meaning but generally prattish Charlie boy (or, come to that, Andrew).

But the Queen herself is worth her weight in gold. She has said this week that she wil continue in her role for her lifetime, something I was pleased to hear. She certainly deserves her celebratory year and I dearly hope that her husband, Prince Philip, is able to be by her side for all of it. Philip amuses me - his irascible manner and tactless approach are something which is very refreshing in the stuffy inner circle, although I bet he's a bugger to live with. But he does seem to be her rock, and I bet she would find it very hard to continue without him.

We went round Buck House last summer and thoroughly enjoyed the very professional guided tour and the special exhibition of Faberge eggs. This year, the special exhibition is, naturally and very appropriately, of the Queen's most precious diamonds. I love sparkly things, so I'd really like to see that and we get a free re-entry, so we'll definitely be going.

I won't be going up to the concert outside the Palace (much better view on the telly) or to any special events, but I will be wishing her well where ever I am. Let's hope she keeps going for many more years!