We need to address issues

The horror and disdain levelled at Mo in the national press is ludicrous. Her remarks have been used politically and, as is the custom, quoted completely out of context.

That the Royal Household has also retaliated is a measure of the sensitivity and unease which continues to simmer concerning the future direction of the monarchy in the 21st century.

The media would have us believe that Mo Mowlam was entirely alone in her thinking about streamlining the monarchy as we go forward in a liberated era of rapid change.

People right across the political spectrum recognise the need for change and to relieve our country of far too many hangers-on.

Bringing the monarchy into a less deified and more human position would enable them to survive during this century. Why else was the Way Ahead Group formed? Why did Princess Anne display wisdom and foresight in refusing to give titles to her children at the time of their births?

Why is there deep concern in the Church of England concerning the future title of the titular Head of the Church? Perhaps six royal palaces are a little excessive.

It has been extremely difficult for those amongst us who were conditioned as children to treat the monarchy as deity . . . to revise our views and to face the truth that many aspects of our history and our culture need to be re-aligned in order to be relevant.

No-one is suggesting that the Royal Family should be evicted from Buckingham Palace. But uncomfortable views should not be dismissed as treasonable or unthinkable.

If we fail to address these issues, discontent will simmer, and, as predicted, republicanism will be the result by mid century. To fear the truth does a grave dis-service to our country and our culture which we are struggling to retain.

For all the elements of doubt and sometimes despair, I cannot think of a positive, acceptable and representative alternative to our royal heritage at this crucial moment in time.

MARY RATCLIFFE

Old Town, Swindon