Queen Elizabeth II is touring my home state of Virginia today. The Queen and her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinborough, will commemorate the 400th anniversary of Jamestown -- the first permanent English colony in the Americas. 

Before moving to the UK, I was never particularly interested in the British Royal Family. But lately I find myself obsessed with every little piece of gossip surrounding the Royals: Prince William and Kate Middleton break up!  Prince Harry goes to war in Iraq!  Zara Phillips wins a gold medal in horse riding!  Prince Charles marries a horse! Prince William gets drunk and gropes a girl!    Philip is, umm, nothing.

I've seen the Queen twice since moving to London: once was a fleeting glimpse as her limo dashed past my office in Tottenham Court Road downtown. The second time I was only a few yards away from her when she arrived at the world premiere of "Casino Royale." 

This August 31 marks the 10th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana. I was in Chicago at a friend's restaurant when I heard about the death. The bartender switched on the TV and everyone was engrossed, even in the Windy City.  She was the People's princess. A memorial benefit concert will be held in London on July 1, with headline acts Elton John and Rod Stewart, Duran Duran, Lily Allen and a few others.

Incidentally, If you haven't already, I urge you to go rent "The Queen" starring Helen Mirren. GREAT FILM!