Queen Elizabeth II turns 90 today, as the longest reign in British history continues. The British monarchy, an expensive anachronism, only functions when it's both entertaining and satisfyingly ridiculous. Everyone gets the joke, and knows it's ultimately on them. Still, without it, the poor Brits would probably feel lost. As I've pointed out to my students many times, they've lost an empire, but haven't found a role. And so the monarchy will have to fill the great public void left by the awful Tories and the irrelevant Labour party. Good luck to Albion!