The past 24 hours has given us one of the most fascinating insights into the mind of our great Queen in many years.
At 95 years of age, she doesn't consider herself to be old, despite the furore over her decision to start using a walking stick at some public events.
With a glint in her eye no doubt, she ordered her assistant private secretary to reject The Oldie of the Year award because, in her words, 'you are only as old as you feel'.
The message from Her Majesty was clear: Take that, doubters, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon.
But, sadly, the Queen's body isn't always able to keep up with her sharp-as-ever mind, irresistible spirit, uncompromising worth-ethic and everlasting sense of duty.
The past 24 hours has given us one of the most fascinating insights into the mind of our great Queen in many years. Pictured: Her Majesty with a walking stick on Thursday
This morning Buckingham Palace announced she had 'reluctantly accepted medical advice to rest for the next few days' at Windsor Castle, cancelling at the last minute a series of engagements in Northern Ireland today and tomorrow.
A royal source stressed there was 'no cause for caution' about the Queen's health and, anyone who knows her, would admit the medics would not have easily won the battle to get her to pull out of the trip.
The Queen's schedule has been relentless for seven decades and, even at her advancing age, she simply doesn't want to stop working.
In the past couple of weeks, she travelled to Scotland for the opening of parliament, had engagements at the Welsh Senedd in Cardiff and continued a busy schedule in London, including hosting a major global investment summit at Windsor Castle yesterday evening.
And, in a sign of her dedication to keep healthy, the Queen has even agreed to stop her daily tipple, saving alcohol for special occasions.
That's why today I beg of Her Majesty: Please, Ma'am, for the sake of all of us, it's time to slow down.
At 95 years of age, she doesn't consider herself to be old, despite the furore over her decision to start using a walking stick at some public events. Pictured: Her majesty with Bill Gates at Windsor Castle last night
We want you to reign as a centenarian – and I truly believe you can.
But the key to that is to see you less and allow you more time to enjoy a form of semi-retirement at 95.
The idea you must keep driving forward with such a busy schedule is no longer necessary.
Listen to your doctors – because by God we need you.
There is much discussion of a future transition behind-the-scenes of the Royal Family.
But I genuinely believe that talk should be irrelevant for a long to come.
Given her near faultless health, unwavering desire to serve and excellent genes, what is to stop the Queen remaining on the throne for years to come?
But like a great sporting star reaching the end the of their career, it's critical the Queen is managed by her medics.
While it is the Queen who wants to continue at this pace, the responsibility must lie with senior courtiers, the government and two future
