I know, as a leftie, I’m supposed to be against institutions like the monarchy, and indeed part of me does find it grossly unfair and outdated. Yet I must admit that part of me has a soft spot for old Liz. In a world of constant change and turmoil, she has always been there; for the last 63 years she has been a fixture of British society. I find quite a bit of comfort in that. Thus, on the occasion of the queen becoming this country’s longest ever reigning monarch (some time this evening, apparently) I wish her well. Mind you, it has to be said that I’m only this supportive of the queen because of Happy and Glorious, as it was in that short film that her majesty revealed her more playful, human side. Everyone probably thought that she would be above such things, but in a way in that film she redefines herself as more in touch with contemporary culture than we thought, and, dare I say it, rather cool. It was quite a coup, if you think about it. In 2012, then, the queen earned my respect, and I therefore wish her well today.