Why I love Great Britain

The summer of 2012 is definitely the summer to embrace your Britishness and jump on the patriotic bandwagon. Everyone is crazy for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee at the moment (yours truly being one of the craziest), and then we've got the Olympics coming to London next month. You can't go anywhere without being bombarded by Union Jacks, and I am absolutely loving it. Sure, the weather isn't great for 90% of the year and we may have extortionate University fees now, but I am very proud to be British. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Tea and cake. I think the above pictures say it all really. Both tea and cake are awesome in their own rights, but bring them together and you've got a match made in heaven. No-one does tea and cake quite like the British. It doesn't have to be a grand affair: an everyday builders' brew and a freshly baked Victoria Sponge is all one needs.

pic from geograph.org.uk

2. The rolling countryside. There's something about seeing the patchwork fields of our countryside when landing on a plane back in the UK after being away that is always comforting. The countryside elsewhere just doesn't look the same. And we have so many sheep, which is cute.

pic from royal.gov.uk

3. The Monarchy. I know not everyone shares this view, but oh, how I love them. The royal family has definitely had its image rejuvenated over the past few years (largely thanks to the fabulous Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge par excellence), and I think they are all fabulous for doing what they do. I couldn't do it.

pic from style.mtv.com

4. British style. Edgier than both Paris and New York, London is one of the most fashion-forward cities in the world. Alexa Chung has done wonders for our image around the world, and what I think is really great is how the British are so accepting when it comes to other people's quirky clothing combos. Our high street is in a league of its own as far as I'm concerned. Where would we be without Topshop!? And that brings me nicely to...

5. Mulberry. They have just unveiled their latest Union Jack collection (above). For as long as I can remember I have wanted my own Mulberry bag, and now my desire has reached a whole new level. Such a beautiful, classy, British brand. I love it.

Well that's a brief snapshot of my fave British things. There are about a kajillion more, but unfortunately French disjunctive personal pronouns aren't going to learn themselves. What makes you proud to be British?