A rant about a yacht for the Queen

Fortunately it looks like the idea Gove had to buy the Queen a yacht for her 65th year as our monarch won't go ahead. I can, however, hardly believe that the idea was put forward in the first place.

I'm not saying she doesn't deserve a yacht. I like the Queen - I think she is an excellent ambassador for the country and the Commonwealth. She has worked hard, through some really bad times for the country. In fact, I'd go as far as to say I like all the royals.

But in a time of recession, when we are on the brink of I don't know what - financial collapse? War? How could anyone in government think it was a sensible idea to ask the public to buy Her Maj a new boat?

Even if Downing Street hadn't put an end to the plan (and I am fairly sure they only put an end to the plan as they saw the reaction it was getting) I absolutely believe the Queen would have refused. She is far more sensible than anyone in that government, and seems, despite her wealth, to be far more aware of what the rest of us are going through than the "We're all in it together" brigade.

I am more surprised that members of the Royal Family apparently thought it was a good idea. Am hoping there's a Guardian spin on that article as, like it or not, the Monarchy is here to stay, and we need the rest of the family to be more like the Queen and less like her children.

More importantly though is the fact that the man in charge of your children's education was all for it.

Shame on that government, if that is what we can call it. Of course we need to celebrate her jubilee. And yes, I think public money should go into funding some of the celebrations. Because it is something to celebrate and public morale will be boosted by a celebration. Like it was by the royal wedding, and by the golden jubilee a few years ago. I was living in London at the time and had a great long weekend.

But street parties, concerts and extra bank holidays are enough.

And I think the Queen would agree.