Grudging admiration for QEII's public relations juggernaut

I am astounded at the power of the spell cast by the diamond jubilee celebrations.

Especially the concert - old style English pomp and ceremony mixed with the latest in technology.
Planned to the last second, but seeming to be casual.
Statues and the Queen's guard.
Kitsch flags and hats, an old fashioned 'knees up'.
Old family films mixed with laser lights, and projections on the palace walls.
The knights of the realm Elton John and Paul McCartney.
Tugging at the heartstrings.

You have to hand it to them - they really know their stuff. Damn them.