THE DIAMOND JUBILEE from a republican perspective

I did tune in today.  There may well have been other things on, but I stuck with it.  Most of all I was amazed at the way they all kept smiling, even though the good old English weather chucked them a soggy curve ball.  Even old Phil had a grin from ear to ear. 

The Royals looked wonderful, though I noticed they kept the two frumpy sisters out of the way and highlighted the stunning Cleopatra like Duchess of Cambridge (wife of Wills) - heaven knows the family could do with an injection from a good looking gene pool. 

The Queen was magnificant, regal as ever, just human enough to keep the crowds cheering, and animated enough to keep the taxidermists at bay.  And her gown was beautiful.  I don't blame her one bit for not sitting on the bespoke throne, for one thing it was probably a big soggy, what with all that rain, and one cannot plonk one's arthritic arse on a damp chair for an hour, or one would need an stanner stair lift. 

I jest, and couldn't help but noticing the way they focused the camera on 'Traitor's Gate' as they sailed by.  I am sure there is a tory focus group somewhere plotting its re-opening.  So I had better tone this down - as if?

I watched the 'royal' programmes last night too, and couldn't help but notice Prince Andrew was beside himself, trying to show what a jolly good fellow he is, by sharing snobby stories of his privileged childhood with the plebs.   HRH Andrew played footers in the great hall at Windsor with his siblings, what ho, guffaw, and never broke a stain glass, priceless window.  All good, clean fun.  What thoroughly normal regular little scamps they were. I felt like squeezing his chubby little chops and telling just how precious he is.  

Of course, I can also see why they rarely let him speak and restrict his social interactions to those whose first language is not English, he probably dances like an embarrassing Uncle too.  To be fair the minor royals didn't get much of a look in, as far as I could see, although I see the Middletones got a mention.  That should send the wind up the Amanda Platell.  

Princess Anne looked great dressed in her tight navel (sp, hic) gear, alongside all those equally smart officers and gentlemen.  And, I thought 'you go gal'.  Albeit she had the very dull looking hubby standing between her and the booty.  Ah well Princess, welcome to the world of dreams.

The people waived their flags and cheered.  The news reported millions, but I personally thought the crowds were 3, maybe 4 deep, even in the 'packed' photshots.  Any excuse for a party say I, and hopefully, it will draw people together in a good way.  I hope not too much store is put on the whole ideology of this weekend's pageant.  Its a long weekend and hopefully an opportunity to say hello to people you would otherwise pass by on the street. 

I cannot endorse patriotism, too many bad things are done in its name.  Today however was great, I cannot deny it.  Some would say it is mass hypnotism, and to a certain extent it is.  Every corporation in the land is cashing in.  Try buying anything from a cupcake to an oven chip, that isn't red, white and blue. 

I see that the people are happy, and I think, what right do I have to fuck it up?  Why should I be the party pooper?  Why can't I stand up and shout 'stop with the flag waving'  Has history taught you nothing?  Because someone will jump in and stop the conversation with the 'Godwin' theory or pull the plug, because they are board monitor. 

I see the good effects of our mutual love of the queen, I really do,  love is all around, ha ha, but I am also chillingly aware of the undercurrents that lie beneath.  Please someone, explain it to me.  What and where is that fine line between patriotism and hate?  Why is it so blurred?

Old cynic and leftie that I am, I actually enjoyed today's spectacular.  When older (and sometimes, wiser) son, asked why I, would be watching such a thing, when The Big Bang was on the other side, I pompously replied, it was history in the making.  I was witness to the spectactularly beautiful Katherine, and wondered if she and Wills would sailing down the Thames in a similar such barge (complete with Posh and Becks thrones, tee hee) 60 years hence.............

I think I have found a flaw in my republican arguement, the monarchy gives a sense of history and longevity, a time, a place, an age.......   I had never really thought of it like that before........