To think most 84 year olds do not have such a busy weekend

[enimmead]

I am not a supporter of the Monarchy but I am very impressed that an 84 year old has the energy to go to the races, spend a day in the rain going up the Thames and do everything else she has done this last month.

I know my Gran couldn't do that - much happier with her feet up watching Countdown with a pot of tea.

I think it is amazing they stood for so long. Shows their determination. I don't personally know anyone of their age who could physically have done that. (I don't have a super granny, although they are clearly out there!)

I agree that at the moment an elected head of state wouldn't work - mostly because most people don't want it. And to be fair, most people don't care about politics at all. What was the average turn out at the last election - 30ish%.

I'm not a monarchist, but I have met the Queen at a reception at Buckingham Palace for volunteers. She met and spoke to every group there. I spoke to Prince Edward individually and sort of accidently insulted him, and he was really nice about it. On the inside of the building - courtyardy bit - the building is not in great shape. I do believe that most of the money that goes to the Queen is spent on maintaining these buildings - which would almost certainly be paid for by the state anyway as they are of historic interest - and the ambassadorial stuff.

I think she has done a good job in a massively changing world. She has overseen the move from 'Empire' to 'Commonwealth', seen massive scientific and political change, and had to cope with big family embarrassments played out in the public eye. I think she has done a good job, I don't think many people of her generation could have done better.

vj32 what did you say to Edward?

I said I thought the Duke of Edinburgh's award was pointless. At my school it was just 'something to put in your UCAS form' and involved walking in a big circle around Dartmoor, almost always in bad weather. Edward said when he did it he walked up and then down a mountain again which I agreed was a bit more useful. And of course it develops transferable skills etc (attempt at save after insulting something his Dad invented!) He was really nice.

So was Michael Howard, really nice man. (Despite not agreeing with any of his politics) Gordon Brown was clearly not a people person. There were also some 'celebrities' from Coronation Street or something who I didn't recognise, and loads of other politicians.

The whole thing was amazing.