Dearest denizens of the British Empire,
Here we are, hungover and bleary-eyed, after a rather wonderful weekend of celebrations for Her Majesty The Queen's 60th year on the throne! Magnificent. I don't quite recall ever feeling so proud to be British.
We may not be perfect but much of the wrongs in modern society can be laid at the door of feeble politicians and political correctness. Call a spade a damned spade I say and to hell with them if they don't like it!
Despite the riots and the Hoodies, the Hip Hop, the binge-drinking and the benefits culture there is still much for the nation to be proud of:
Snobbery. Us Brits still rather excel at snobbery. We all do it. It simply needs a PR makeover. True snobbery is about setting a high standard and is the only thing separating civilisation from barbarianism.
Weather. Admit it, we do weather like no-one else. Unusually, we still get all the four seasons. Often in a single day. Would you really want 50C and palm trees growing on your lawns? When would one wear ones tweeds?
Dress. We wrote the book and the well-dressed British gent still sets the standard. Chalkstripes, tweeds, Barbours and wellies, blazers, black tie, white tie, morning dress. We've got it all covered.
Sporting Failure. Our athletes have the least effective anabolic steroids in the world. We should take pride in that.
Table Manners. Granted, our table manners (general population) may leave a lot to be desired but have you observed some of the wealthy American tourists at Claridges or Browns? Lord save us.
Understatement. Even now, the French and the Italians don't get it. One doubts that they ever will and it really would take far too long to explain it to our diminutive neighbours. Less is more.
More anon
The Duke of Snarlborough xx
