Before I start, I want to say now that I am not a fan of the monarchy and never will be. I have never understood how a true democracy works when everything has to be approved by higher powers that we haven't voted for.
But now we have that clear, one fantastic thing about the monarchy is the Queen and we should definitely be celebrating her this year. She came in to the realm through terrible shock following her father's death and at a time of recovery from the war. Everything has changed in 60 years except her stoic ways.
I'd much rather have her as the main figurehead of the country than half the 12 Prime Ministers that have walked the political plank since she took the reins. She has seen then come and go, barely putting a foot wrong and dealing with most things with grace, and more importantly, strength, that so many powerful figures lack - be them women or not. It is obviously easier to oust the PM rather than the reigning sovereign, but still.
Margaret Thatcher is probably one of the most powerful women that has come and gone in the Queen's time. Thatcher has been deemed a feminist yet the Queen has probably done more than she ever did to help take women a step closer to equality.
It has been under the Queen's watch that saw a change to the rule book that stated that younger brothers could reign ahead of older sisters. Changing tradition that belittles females must send a powerful message about the role of women in Britain.
She has managed to remain behind closed doors so we know very little about her. But that is something to be admired, especially in today's media obsessed society. Of course, she follows the royal book to a T and does her visits and duties without hiccup. But she does it on her terms.
The only slip-up that comes to mind, and a rather hefty slip-up , was around Princess Dianna's death 15 years ago. She generally leaves her husband to that.
I wouldn't know if she has liberal views on single parent families or is open to gay marriage. But I like to think she would be, and I also like to think she would whip someone into shape that doesn't. Ignorance is bliss and all.
In some ways it might not seem like much, but she is the only monarch to have celebrated a diamond jubilee. She has survived at the top and dealt with the pressure wonderfully.
I won't be celebrating the Jubilee this year by having a street party or even attending one, that to me would celebrating an institution I disagree with. But I do think if we are to continue with this nonsense of having a Royal Family, then we should be proud that she is our Queen. And I know if I was Kate, I'd be really rather happy to have her as my Grandmother-in-law.