When I started this blog (like last month ), I gave a warning: I will be blogging about the British Royal Family, aka the BRF. If you think it’s totally naff, well, too bad… because I’m going to do it anyway. Nah!

I’ll keep it short.

I was not born British, but I’ve been living here for twelve years. My husband is British, and my daughter had Earl Grey straight from the baby bottle, aged three months (which might explain she’s still not sleeping through the night, aged three… years).

Before settling down in London, I was a pilgrim and never stayed in one place for a long time. Now, my roots are here, along the Thames. I loooove rugby, I cry each time we arrive in Scotland (because, let’s be honest, IT IS the most enchanting place in the whole world), and I tend to drink far too much chardonnay (served in these gigantic bulb glasses, warm-ish, or with melting ice cubes).

Okay, I still hate marmite, and the ability of the British people to NEVER say what they REALLY think drives me mad (or madder than I am already, being born French).

The last four days have been an enlightening experience for me. Britain celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and I embraced la fiesta whole-heartedly. For once, there was no cynicism or fake/misplaced snobbery. Sure there are people who oppose monarchy vehemently. I respect their opinion. But as far as I’m concerned, Queen Elizabeth is someone I look up to, someone who reassures me, someone I respect, someone who makes me proud to have chosen this country to build my life.

She is a symbol of integrity and dignity in a world missing both these attributes. She has built a fantastic community—the Commonwealth—and with that achievement, has promoted unity and diversity.

I would like to say a very personal and humble Merci to Her Majesty for being AWESOME…

Thank You Ma’am!

What are your views on The Queen? Did you enjoy the Jubilee celebrations? Or do you think it’s a total waste of money and primetime TV?