Y2498

Widow (90+) living with family in West London The Diamond Jubilee 2nd - 5th June 2012 If I had one big old woven flag, like the ones I remember as a child, I'd hang it out of the window but I find it rather sad that a lot of this bunting is plastic or nylon and made abroad. Our part of West London is festooned with it – pubs, restaurants of all nationalities and people's houses too. Tesco, M&S and Sainsbury's are raking in the money selling souvenirs and party food but the forecast is terrible so there'll be a lot of barbeque stuff left over and the planned street parties look like being a big washout. It's too cold for me to go out and join in so I'll listen to it on the radio and TV. My family are my windows on the world now. I'm more enthusiastic about this Diamond Jubilee celebration than the Olympics and I'm very proud of our Queen because she's admired all over the world even in places like the Irish Republic. She keeps her thoughts to herself no matter what's going on around her, which must be hard and frustrating at times, especially if she has to meet and greet people she can't stand. Saturday – my daughter told me all about the local preparations and the Jubilee merchandise. How the red and white geraniums and blue lobelia plants have sold out as people plant up their window boxes and gardens. Shops are full of party food, red white and blue iced cupcakes and Pimms is the No 1 drink. It would be hopeless to even try to go and see the River Pageant tomorrow because nearly all the bridges are closed and security's so tight but luckily we'll see it in close-up on TV. Most of my friends are glad and proud we've got a Queen like ours who doesn't get involved in politics and keeps her dignity but one or two are disgusted with the expense of the Royal Family. I don't think Prince Charles and Camilla will ever endear themselves to the masses somehow but William and Catherine already have. The Queen's long happy marriage and obvious affection from her grandchildren set a good example to everybody. The BBC and ITV are running endless programmes about her life and reign as are many foreign networks. My son in Germany seems to know as much about our Royal Family as we do but then they are German too! Sunday 3rd June How sad, it's been a wet windy gloomy day but that didn't stop the enthusiasm of crowds of people who lined the route of the River Pageant and stoically had parties all over the country. I'm amazed at the continuing patriotism – I thought it was only my generation that idolised Royalty. People interviewed in the crowds have come from far and wide, even Australia, to join in and slept or waited hours to see the flotilla go by. I have such great admiration for the Queen's ability to stand for so long and cope with getting on and off boats with no stick or help, wearing high heeled shoes. At 86 to be able to endure the cold wind and look cheerful is amazing. Prince Philip stood so upright by her side and they appeared to enjoy all 4 hours of it. The boats were very impressive and the bell boat pealing in unison with nearby churches was wonderful. Some rowers had to be treated for hypothermia! There were Venetian gondoliers, Maori war boats, dragon boats and little Dunkirk vessels apart from the procession of canal boats, tugs, etc. Tower Bridge opened magnificently and it all appeared to have gone smoothly, in spite of the 12 degrees weather (last weekend it was 25+ degrees!) The Gloriana boat, rowed in front was beautiful but the BBC didn't describe it at all well – we thought the Queen was going to be on board that, not the old tub 'Spirit of Chartwell' which looked more like a tarted up dredger! I missed the Dimblebys and their smooth well-informed subtle descriptions. There was far too much irrelevant chatter by inexperienced presenters for my liking. At the end the poor Philharmonic Orchestra and choir must've been frozen and soaked but as the BBC kept on saying, “nothing dampened the people's enthusiasm or spirits at this historic event” Monday 4th June A little bit drier but we now we hear that the poor Duke of Edinburgh is in hospital with a bladder infection (probably a chill from that boat ride) so the Queen has to soldier on without him by her side. A huge garden party picnic for 10,000 invited guests on the lawn at Buckingham Palace – each one received a hamper provided by Waitrose with menu by Heston Blumenthal – salmon mousse, coronation chicken, salad and Eaton Mess. I hope they include something to sit on as the ground with be very damp. Then in the evening the special stage has been set up outside the Palace for a long music exravaganza of has-beens with light show and fireworks. The Queen still looked fresh and smiley in spite of having to listen to Cliff Richard, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Elton John and Paul McCartney, poor soul. As an old lady myself I don't know how she endured it. I wonder whether it was Prince Charles's plan and who paid for it all. I don't begrudge this spectacle like I do the Olympics because this is not done for commercial gain and gives obvious pleasure to so many patriotic people surprisingly. Perhaps it's a welcome relief from all the economic doom and gloom and an excuse to enjoy the extra bank holiday. As a family we have mixed feelings about royalty and didn't decorate our house with bunting, to be honest we all got a bit tired of it but in these hard times it's surprising that so many people spent a lot of money on displays of great patriotism and made such a big effort. I think it would be sad to be a republic with a president. Tuesday 5th June Still cold and windy, cloudy and raining in spasms but the route to St Pauls was lined with brave people and the 10.30 service of thanksgiving went without a hitch. The Queen looked lovely in aqua blue but seemed very small walking up the long aisle on her own behind everyone else. All quite predictable, followed by a lunch at the Great Hall of Westminster and return to a rainsoaked balcony appearance of the Queen, flanked by Charles & Camilla, William & Cate and Prince Harry and a flypast of the Red Arrows. 60 years on the throne. How much longer will she go on? Will Charles ever be king? Dedication, dignity, commitment and good humour; never putting a foot wrong. Jolly good old girl or 'Old Sausage' as Prince Philip calls her. (Incidentally, he came home from hospital in time for his 91st birthday, so all's well.)