Letter: King Charles III: no natural defects in his body politic

Sir: The Prince of Wales is accused by the Archdeacon of York as being unsuitable to be king and 'Defender of the Faith' on grounds of morality and because he has broken his marriage vows. The last King Charles acknowledged that he was the father of at least 14 illegitimate children and gave many of them titles. So the present Charles has a lot of catching up to do.

The real point is that suitability has got nothing to do with hereditary positions. The system in the past has led to kings and queens who have been insane, babes in arms, or have never previously been in the country or even able to speak the language.

At last the absolute folly of such a system is being recognised, even by archdeacons.

Yours faithfully,

MIKE PENTELOW

London, W1

8 December