Long live HM the Queen!

Watching Her Majesty the Queen participating in the recent welcoming ceremony at the start of her state visit to the USA this week, I'm reminded of what an integral part of Britishness she is. Although there are some who would abolish the monarchy, the Queen remains hugely popular among her subjects. Her reign is second in length only to that of HM King Bhumiphol Adulyadej of Thailand. Why is the Queen seen as such an indispensable part of the UK's heritage, despite the undoubted expense of maintaining the Royal Family with all their bits and pieces? I believe it's because, in a sense, the monarchy belongs to all of us and is something that binds us all together. The monarchy is a thread of constancy through the turbulence of history. True, there have been some characterful monarchs who have done very questionable things, but our current head of state is such a figurehead of solidity and dependability that the world somehow seems a friendlier place with her than it would without. Yes, that sense of well being that stems from the Queen is an illusion, but it's an illusion shared and enjoyed by so many that it's worth preserving. Long live the Queen! May I propose the Loyal Toast?