THE Queen, 87, and the Duke of Edinburgh, 91, were in their places on Wednesday doing their stuff for the state opening of parliament.

Sitting alongside them, though slightly lower, of course, was Prince Charles, taking some of the responsibility from his mother. And alongside him was the Duchess of Cornwall, sashed and tiara’d and with a couple of glittery medals, the personal gift of the Queen.

The Duchess looked at ease the state occasion, a dutiful wife doing her bit for her husband’s family firm. Gosh, she’s come a long way since Diana supporters once pelted her with bread rolls in Sainsbury’s car park.