Her shining example - Telegraph Yesterday, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrated a personal milestone in a long and distinguished reign - her 86th birthday. Only a month ago, in an address to Parliament to mark her Diamond Jubilee, the Queen spoke of "rededicating" herself to the service of her country "now and in the years to come." She was renewing her commitment to her duties at a time of life when most of her subjects have long been enjoying the fruits of their retirement. The Queen presents what we might be forgiven for calling, in this particular year, a shining example. She personifies many of the finest and most valuable of human qualities - self-discipline, industriousness and a selfless sense of responsibility. Sometimes it may strike us, sadly, that her reign has coincided with a decline of these values in our nation. Today, facing the toughest conditions in a generation, if we British are to pull ourselves out of our troubles, we will need to cultivate the strengths that our sovereign has so tirelessly displayed. Then we too can enjoy our days of celebration with a satisfying sense of a pleasure well earned.