Letter: Britain at its best and worst for Diana

Sir: The often-heard argument that the monarchy is preferable to having some superannuated politician (why so?) as president (Letters, 9, 10 September) misses an important point.

A presidency changes on a regular basis, and with it the surrounding hierarchy of dependent supporters. Over time different groups of people have access to the seats of power. Some would be more successful than others, but none could last for ever.

In contrast, the monarchy has long formed the pinnacle of an ever-present, self-serving Establishment; a dead weight, inhibiting the modernisation and liberalisation of British society.

PATRICIA GRAHAM.

Tonbridge, Kent