HRM QEII- marriage a "celebration of the God-given love that binds a family together"

Today marks the sixtieth anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, making today her diamond jubiliee. Her Majesty is a truly Christian person and a benevolent monarch, who leads by her selfless service, putting on no airs, yet never diminishing the dignity or majesty of her queenship. If any proof for any of these assertions is needed, I encourage you to watch her Christmas speech from last year, which puts those of many bishops to shame, a quote from which serves as the title of this post. Of course, she very much remains head of The Church of England, staying above all the controversies tearing that ecclesial communion apart and leading by her inspired and inspiring Christian faith.

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, on the day of her coronation, 2 June 1952

It seems very fitting on today's auspicious occasion to post a rousing version of Rule Britannia, performed by the lovely American soprano Renée Fleming, costumed as Britannia, which explains why she waved the Stars and Stripes and not the Union Jack.

Below is an extract from the end of Her Majesty's 2011 Christmas speech:

Finding hope in adversity is one of the themes of Christmas. Jesus was born into a world full of fear. The angels came to frightened shepherds with hope in their voices: 'Fear not', they urged, 'we bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

'For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.'

Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves - from our recklessness or our greed.

God sent into the world a unique person - neither a philosopher nor a general, important though they are, but a Saviour, with the power to forgive.

Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships and it can reconcile divided communities. It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God's love

God save the Queen.