I was really moved last night while watching Prince Charles talk us through the royal family’s private cine film of his childhood on television, which was not cold and austere as we have been led to believe, but appears to have been warm, fun and loving.  Wasn’t the water slide on Royal Britannia fun!

I was also touched to hear the letters written by our Queen in which she declared her love for Prince Philip, they had such a touch of innocence. The programmes portrayed our monarch as a normal woman who enjoyed her young family like any other mum, but one who is led by a strong sense of dignified duty which we have come to admire and appreciate so much, especially as we mark her momentous diamond jubilee.

At the Seymour house, we have the flags flying outside and plan to watch tomorrow’s river pageant, come rain or shine. I am also looking forward to seeing the Queen’s portraits over the years at the National Portrait Gallery exhibition.

This is a time to celebrate, reflect and appreciate the wonderful country we live in, and acknowledge the role of this extraordinary woman who has led it for the last 60 years.