The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla

I rang for this at my Church this morning and the delay in getting home meant that I missed the first fifteen minutes, but I saw the rest.

It was definitely one of those events that showcase Britain at its best - we do pageantry like no-one else - with plenty of symbolism and the right level of pomp. Charles will have a challenge adjusting the monarchy for a modern age with growing republican sentiment - and the Metropolitan Police look to have gone too heavy-handed on dealing with potential protests - but he seems to be trying. He has gotten more popular over time and it says something that the two least popular royals present made quick exits after the main event. 

There also seem to be some good memes coming out of this too - Penny Mordaunt has earned herself some kudos for holding those swords for so long.

Now to enjoy the rest of the second of three long weekends this month.

Exit Juan Carlos

So, the King of Spain has decided to basically retire - a surprise for many, but not a shock; we've been having a few abdications lately in Europe.

His role in making Spain a democracy is a big one and his remark to Chavez a few years was something that many people felt was well worth it. However, he hasn't been the most in touch monarch in recent years (elephant hunting? Really? In the 21st century?) and he clearly had health problems.

Felipe VI seems to be pretty popular and one former CNN reporter is now going somewhere she doubted she would when she was a kid...

Prince George

Congratulations to William and Kate on their new arrival.

Now, can the papers find something else to talk about? You know a story is eating itself when you're doing stories about how the story was reported.

The Diamond Jubilee

We're making 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II being on the throne this weekend, with two bank holidays.

Whatever you think of monarchy, you've got to admit Elizabeth's been a good head of state for this country, attracting a lot of tourism and providing a continuous figurehead in the midst of much turmoil.

At any rate, could you think of a President who would be as good as her?