I’ve never been a royalist…but in the case of Queen Elizabeth she has proved to be a better head of state than any elected President or politician anywhere in the world. She has fulfilled her role and provided a reassuring constancy during seven decades of immense change at home and throughout the commonwealth and indeed the entire world. I have had my reservations about what will happen after her death, but I think that Charles will prove to be a fine head of state as he’s had a very long apprenticeship and understands that what he could say and do as heir-in-waiting is quite different from what he can say and do as a monarch. However, his heart is in the right place and he cares very much for our environment and the importance of good stewardship of the land and resources for future generations. Royalty are in the business of continuity and keeping things running smoothly and I’m sure he will want to continue in the same vein as his mother who was popular and has kept the clamour for a republic down to nothing more than a small minority rumbling, barely audible.

I’m far less worried about how the new King will perform than I am about our new PM…who seems intent on having a bonfire of our rights. Can we survive two further years of Tory government under Truss? I shudder at the thought!