Only the most cynical or curmudgeonly could fail to be moved by the celebrations marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this weekend. The outburst of genuine love and affection from the vast majority of her people, the riot of colour of the red, white and blue flags, bunting and Union Flag outfits have taken us back to a more innocent time and have served to remind us that this country has a history, heritage and tradition that is the envy of most of the world.

Whatever your views on the monarchy, it has to be said that our Queen has been a wonderful servant to her country and to her Commonwealth. In 60 years of unbroken and dedicated service she has witnessed some of the most significant events ever witnessed by mankind. Man has landed on the moon, has made vast leaps in medicine and technology and has created the internet which perhaps more than any other invention or discovery has quite simply revolutionised our lives.

She has witnessed too the sad decline of her country and the break-up of the once all-powerful British Empire. She has seen incredible social change and a total revolution in the way we now live our lives. There are still some (a small minority it has to be said) who would prefer a republic and a leader elected democratically by the people, a politician with all the bias and prejudice that that would entail, a vote winner anxious to cling to power at whatever cost. Can you imagine a President Blair or Brown? No, monarchy may have its faults (and I have never agreed with inherited privilege) but it is the best system we could have and is far better than the alternative.

Eight of ten Britons were born during her reign and still she is there with us, the one constant, comfort even, in all our lives. The fact that she is held with such obvious love and affection by her people is a huge tribute to her dedication and service to us all. Her reign should be celebrated and treasured because we will never see her like again.