60 years. 12 British Prime Ministers, starting with Winston Churchill. 35 Royal Variety Performances. Countless hands shaken and shoulders tapped with swords. I think we can agree Queen Elizabeth II has performed some onerous duties in an exemplary fashion.
She will never write an autobiography (much to my disappointment – what tales that woman must have to tell), but her well-documented life is featuring in some lovely books in her Diamond Jubilee year.
I’m particularly looking forward to Elizabeth: her life, our times – it even includes Her Majesty’s Christmas messages through the ages. If you dozed off during any in the last 60 years, here’s your chance to catch up.