Thank you, Your Majesty

The Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Britain presented a profound and witty tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s historic 70-year reign. Following fears for the sovereign’s health, it also underlined the future of this monarchy, as four generations stood side by side.

- Juliet Rieden

I always expected the Platinum Jubilee to be full of British patriotism, pomp and ancient regal tradition, albeit with the contemporary pizzazz of 21st-century technology; what I wasn’t prepared for was how deeply moving the four-day extravaganza would be.

In the end Her Majesty appeared briefly on just four occasions, three of which were on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, but her spirit was everywhere.

I was on the ground in London for every step of the occasion, one I’m sure we will be poring over for decades, if not centuries, to come, and the poignancy of being part of what in all likelihood will be the House of Windsor’s only Platinum Jubilee and the final years of the Elizabethan era was palpable.

Most Australians and Brits have only known one head of state: Queen Elizabeth II. And as Prince Philip was for Her Majesty, this monarch has been our “strength and stay”, her dedication to service a shining example in a world that has become increasingly divided, our political leaders more divisive.