Elizabeth II performed her royal duty for the first time in 1942 when she inspected the Grenadier Guards at Windsor Castle.. This was followed by more than 21,000 ribbon cuttings and unveiling of plaques, as well as more than 300,000 congratulatory telegrams sent to subjects.. From 2 to 5 June, the UK celebrates another milestone in the life of Queen Elizabeth II: the platinum jubilee, timed to coincide with her 70th anniversary on the throne, writes The Economist.

Much of what will unfold over the course of the four-day festival is objectively ludicrous.. People in big hats will ride around on horseback. Dinner at Windsor will attempt to set the coveted record for the longest dining table in the world. The Law of Large Numbers suggests that someone will die in a bizarre anniversary-themed accident—perhaps choking on a Scotch egg or being suffocated on oatmeal.. But despite the oddities, the anniversary is not at all a fun trifle (unlike the official platinum pudding that will be served to guests at Windsor).

Walter Bagehot, editor who worked for The Economist in the 19th century, divided the British constitution into two parts: worthy and effective. The anniversary - or rather, the woman in his heart - will show that the monarch, a model of a worthy state, is fulfilling his part of the bargain.. This is all the more important when the government, far from being efficient, is consumed by scandals and introspection.. The virtues that the Queen embodies, succession and harmony, no small qualities in modern Britain.

By its very nature, a jubilee represents a continuity. 70-year reign is unprecedented for an English monarch. The Queen has had 14 prime ministers and may soon meet her 15th. She dated four popes and 13 American presidents; only Lyndon Johnson didn't touch her white gloves. She was the thread that runs through the lives of millions of Britons, 87% of whom did not know another head of state.. The hereditary monarchy is designed to survive the death of the monarch himself: the 96-year-old queen is already transferring some of her duties to Prince Charles. But her personal longevity symbolized the permanence of the state, even when other institutions faltered..

As for the consensus, it consists in the approval enjoyed by the Queen. Eight out of ten Britons speak positively of her; people of all ages treat her favorably. Such broad agreement in Britain is rare enough on any other issue.. Most people still distance themselves from political preferences rather than consider themselves loyal supporters of any political party..

Politicians are trying to play on public issues to energize their supporters, and state symbols are no exception.. Government speaks of flag pride. And calls for the use of the crown symbol on beer glasses as a sign of liberation from the tyranny of the EU (which is actually not the case). Politicians are mulling the return of Imperial Dimensionals, no doubt hoping that the thought of opening Instapound on their phone will spark fervor among supporters.. The Queen goes beyond such nonsense: she is a unifying figure in a more divided country.

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It wasn't always like this. The queen's toughness did not work in her favor after the death of Princess Diana in a car accident in Paris in 1997.. However, the consensus in her favor now stems from the same old-fashioned virtues of duty and self-control..

Bagghot believed that the royal family's limited powers were a source of constitutional strength: it " The " Elizabeth's stern look is like a cipher on a handbag. But she kept her corner of the British state worthy of celebration in the minds of millions.. Whatever your view of the monarchy, this is an achievement.

Earlier it was reported that the Queen of Great Britain made a large donation to the fund to help Ukrainian refugees.. The British Royal Family expresses its support for Ukraine.