The Jubilee felt as if our Queen was waving goodbye

THE QUEEN'S Jubilee was a platinum-plated triumph from start to finish.

But after such a great royal show comes the dustcart of reality, sweeping up what's left behind as we take stock of what just happened and what comes next.

Last weekend was close to perfection. There were so many highlights. Very few 96-year-old heads of state could have tapped out the intro to "We Will Rock You" with such twinkling charm.

But when the dancing stopped there was an inescapable feeling an era was coming to an end, even if the Queen continues to add more years to the 70 already served.

The final balcony scene conveyed a stark message: change is coming. Even as a tremendous wave of affection swept her way, it was almost as if the Queen were waving goodbye.

Survival and succession are the constant concerns of any monarchy. The Queen has made sure the House of Windsor is at the heart of British life well into the 21st century.

The monarchy's future was there on her balcony, heir apparent Prince Charles on her right, heir presumptive Prince William on her left, with Prince George in front of him, getting his first real idea of what it might be like to be a king.

Mentally sharp and as bright as a button, the Queen is nevertheless becoming physically frail.

She may not emulate her mother who lived to be 101.