I must admit to being a monarchist, sort of. I know I shouldn’t be. I know the monarchy is an outdated, undemocratic institution which, as a leftist, I should want rid of. Yet at the same time, I feel the monarchy is one of the things which makes the UK what it is; a constant in a world of constant change. I admire the Queen: she didn’t choose her role, but has stuck with it for sixty-five years.* And yes, I also admire the fact that today marks her seventieth wedding anniversary with prince Philip. These days, people tend to move about, picking and choosing what they want from relationship; the idea that you should remain committed and loyal to one person seems not to be fashionable. Some people seem to regard partners like shoes or coats, to be just discarded when you fancy something new. Of course I know that such notions of loyalty could be seen as rather conservative and that they aren’t without their problems, particularly when it comes to people becoming trapped in abusive relationships; but I like the idea of staying with someone through thick and thin, of choosing someone and sticking with them. Thus I congratulate the Queen and Prince Philip on their anniversary, and thank them for setting such a wonderful example for us all.

*I also still have a big soft spot for this film.