A right royal weekend to remember (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

A right royal weekend to remember

9:00am Tuesday 5th June 2012 in Our View By Telegraph & Argus

Even the most ardent republican will have to admit, having seen the photographs in the Telegraph & Argus of people enjoying themselves over the Bank Holiday weekend, that the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee has done much to unite people.

Doing the same job for 60 years is worthy of anyone’s congratulations, and let’s make no mistake about it: Queen Elizabeth II does work incredibly hard and is a fine ambassador for Britain whether she’s on a state visit to a far-flung foreign shore or accepting a posy of flowers from a small child closer to home.

The Queen has reigned during a turbulent period of history, ranging from the post-war years to the present day, and her realm has both changed immeasurably, yet somehow stayed the same over those decades.

If there’s one thing that we Brits like, it’s a good party, and the Diamond Jubilee celebrations have given many of us an excuse to throw one. Across the Bradford district we have seen tea parties, street parties, beacons lit and the Union flag flying proudly.

As a city, a district and a country we have our problems, and the last few years haven’t been the easiest. No-one is suggesting a few cucumber sandwiches and a rousing rendition of God Save The Queen will make our challenges diminish, but for one weekend, at least, the Jubilee has given us the opportunity to let our hair down a bit and enjoy ourselves.

Some of us might ponder whether, at a time of austerity, financing a Royal Family is the best use of a nation’s coffers, but our Royals give Britain something of a uniqueness in the world, and we should all be able to put our political, social and religious differences aside to say: Congratulations, Ma’am, hope you enjoyed the weekend as much as we did.