Letter: The separation of the royal couple

Sir: Today's announcement that the Prince and Princess of Wales are to separate must surely be a positive step.

There is clearly so much misunderstanding, betrayal and hurt between them that any continuation of a life together would be a pretence. While people once felt compelled to continue with unhappy marriages, to the detriment of their children and themselves, attitudes have, thankfully, changed.

If the Prince and Princess of Wales were to feel forced to stay together this would only emphasise the disparity between their lives and those of the rest of the nation.

Yours faithfully,

S. BANCROFT

London, N16

9 December