Royal rituals, like the whole royal concept, are fascinating. The opening of the latest Scottish Parliament (yes I'm late, I just saw a repeat from June) had a new, exciting turn: the Queen abandoned the polite-yet-absent demeanor she normally has during speeches, and seemed to pay actual attention.
Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, was listening to Alex Salmond, the new First Minister whose party won the election by calling for an independent Scotland. Brave man - he did use the I-word.

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I didn't go see wee Kym yesterday, because a friend needed a favour. And so someone had gone and reserved her. Boo.