Rolf save the Queen

Despite being born in Pommyland I really have no interest in the Royal family (especially now the Queen Mum's no longer around. I mean, who can resist a Royal who enjoys a pint and a game of pool?), but for some reason I found myself sitting down on Sunday night to watch Rolf Harris Paints the Queen or something like that. I wasn't alone. Cliff, who was feeling just as delicate as I was from our big night out, joined me in front of the telly as did my housemate Tom and his friend Brett. Maybe it's a gay thing. I spoke to other gay friends later who had also been watching. The thing that caught my interest was an ad for the show a few daze before. It dawned on me that I'd never seen Her Maj in such an informal atmosphere and I was curious to learn what she might really be like.

Rolf had two sessions where "Lilibet" sat for him as he painted and made small talk. During the second session you could really feel her warming to him (despite her being sick with a cold) and there was an intriguing connection - years before, Rolf's grandfather had painted a portrait of the Queen's grandfather. The other intriguing thing is the four of us watching the show sat there almost in silence, whereas beforehand we'd been convivial and raucous with quips flying thick n fast. When it was all over I'm surprised we didn't get up and stand to attention just like we used to back in Primary School