IT was the garden party to end all garden parties, a right Royal romp through 50 years of popular music.

It put a smile on millions of faces around the world - but, for those not blinded by the smoke and bright lights, it said much about Britain in the early 21st Century too.

It was a brief insight into how our culture has developed over 50 years, but it was mostly an out-and-out knees-up, a reminder of what this country does well, most especially the ability to mount a thunderous spectacle.

It demonstrated very publicly that the nation has the capacity to rub shoulders in a common interest, regardless of colour, creed or religion.

But it was played out in a capital city whose social attitudes and infrastructure epitomise the fact that, too often, the country proves that it has barely crawled out of the 50s.

Ruby Wax's homage to "the mothership" reflected that, in America and beyond, millions will have watched the Palace party and craved the opportunity to celebrate 50 years of anything which has heritage and history as its foundations.

So, even though ours isn't a country that's always at ease with itself, for one or two more days let's bask in the warmth of that fact.

Perhaps most importantly, let's reflect on the balance which Prince Charles struck in his tribute to the Queen.

"You have embodied something vital in our lives - continuity," he said. "You have been a beacon of tradition and stability in the midst of profound, sometimes perilous change."

There is much to be proud of in our country - and there are far worse places to live.