Even Kate, William and Harry are mere bit players when the Nan of the nation is in the house.
They all came to Westminster Abbey to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation .
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II looked delighted to be there – but then after more than 60 years in the job, somehow she always does.
Westminster Abbey was at its most breathtaking.
What a ravishing church, what a spectacle – and how brilliantly the British do these things.
This 60th anniversary was a service of thanks, joy and just a little sadness. For time waits for no monarch, not even this one.
The Queen has reigned for so long – all of our lives, for millions of her subjects - that it is tempting to think she will always be here.
But time keeps on slipping away, and nothing reminds us of that like the fragility of Prince Philip’s health.
But the Duke of Edinburgh was in attendance, hands behind his back, wearing a smile so wicked that it was worthy of Keith Richards.
And at the heart of all the pomp, prayers and thanks for a long and glorious reign, there lurked one central question.
Why does the Queen matter?
The Queen matters because she has been the calm, decent, dutiful centre of our forever-changing nation.
Through all the changes, as all the fly-by-night politicians have come and sloped off, down all the 60 turbulent years since that crown was placed on her young head, the Queen has been an icon of stability, decency and national pride.
That is why she matters. That is why we gave thanks in Westminster Abbey.
There are those who look at her and see privilege, an outdated institution, and unearned wealth.
But what a miserable little place this Britain would have been if the face of our nation had been a procession of preening politicians and their grasping spouses.
The Queen ensures our democracy. She guarantees that politicians know their place.
She represents duty, service, and patriotism – a belief that this country is worth loving.
This little old lady with her hat and her handbag is our national spirit incarnate.
As always on these great royal occasions, there were many military uniforms on display – the bright red tunics of the bandsmen, the khaki and blue of the servicemen and women in the congregation.
On such a day, how could you not think of young Lee Rigby?
How could you not wonder what the next 60 years will bring?
But the Queen is still here. And there is something endlessly reassuring about the sight of that small, stoic, gently smiling lady.
For these 60 years, she has earned her nation’s love and respect.
One day it will be time to say goodbye to her, as we say goodbye to our grandparents, and our parents, and in the end all those we love.
But Westminster Abbey rang with the joyful news that we are a long way from goodbyes.
And also a long way from losing sight of all the things that made this country great – all the qualities that the Queen so effortlessly embodies.
A quiet courage. A gentle humour. A stoicism, humour and decency. She is still our Queen. And this is still our country.
Sixty years ago Elizabeth pledged to serve both God and the people.
She has let neither of them down.
