The Royal Family

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29744, 10 February 1962, Page 3

The Royal Family

Sir, —The value or otherwise of the monarch was not questioned by the papers I mentioned (indeed, these periodical attacks on it must give their circulations a pleasant boost) but only the social example set by the Queen and her family, I reiterate that in this matter Her Majesty’s behaviour is in stimulating contrast to the hugger-mugger morality of so many of her democratic detractors. For the benefit of "Democracy First,” I will point out something which intelligent Europeans have long realised. With the exception of Switzerland the European countries enjoying the greatest domestic harmony and prosperity (any colonial troubles they may have are out of this context) are all limited monarchies. They are Nor Sweden, Denmark, Holland, and Belgium. So it looks as if any money contributed by your correspondent towards the upkeep of our* may be well invested. If he and his Gallup-Pollers would like a .slogan they might take those beautiful word* from George Orwell’s masterpiece: "All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others."—Yours, etc., I TREW. February 9, 1962.

Sir,—lf there were no Royal Family just think what we would miss: there would be no Palace garden parties for our social climbers; no photographs of Royal children for junior to stick into his scrapbook; no Duke of Edinburgh to convince the rest of the world that Britain is still a cultural power to be reckoned with, and we could hardly call for a public holiday on the anniversary day of the birth of a mere Prime Minister. Would it take long to convince the cinema patron that he can be a worthy citizen without making an act ot dedication before each film he sees? Though I am concerned about the possibility that I am being bled to support the monarchy, I must admit that the letting process is painless. Consequently, as long as the Royal Family don’t say anything nasty about New Zealand hotels or the way we play Rugby, I’m for the statu* quo.—Yours, etc, A. S. MILLER. February 9, 1962

Sir,—Paper* which inform us of the various states ot mind of those who occupy the privileged place of subjects to Her Majesty, our good and beloved Queen Elizabeth, are doing us—those of u* who are loyal to what we believe i* right, not a mere matter of fashion of the time, but fundamental decency— true service in letting it be known what dissent may be in our midst. It certainly strengthens our

own conviction* that we have a unifying principle which is worth more than all mere opinions or objections to it. Those who oppose our ideals of reg)eci for the Royal Family should be grateful they live in a land where discussion is allowed in newspaper* and among critic*. Psychologically. one wonders how much envy tie* behind criticism? —Yours, etc.. SAFETY VALVES. February 9. 1962.