Sir, The answer to Gary Rotolo’s question as to why we “Brits” should have to pay to visit Buckingham Palace (Letter Aug 17) is the same reasons — whatever they may be — that we earn less money, pay more for petrol, to dine out, to buy property or to own cars; have our hospitals closed around us seemingly at bureaucratic whim — and all while paying more in suspect stealth taxes than probably any other people in the world.
It’s just part of the joy of being British.
CLEM STEVENS
Worthing, West Sussex
Sir, How refreshing to read the views of an American on this issue. This is just the tip of the iceberg, however. Most places of historical interest in London remain beyond the pockets of ordinary folk whose parents fought two world wars to preserve this country, its monuments and its way of life.
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In 2012 London will welcome the nations of the world to the Olympic Games. Most of London’s residents are being asked to foot much of the bill via levies added to council tax. Will the Mayor allow reduced entry fees to the taxpayers of London, or will he and his assembly once again take our money, and be damned what we think?
BARRY BUCKLEY
London SE26
Sir, Mr Rotolo’s statement that the Royal Family “exist only because of the risks to life and limb put forth over the decades by [our] courageous citizenry” is only partly true. The main reasons why they are still around are the apathy of the electorate and the pusillanimity of their representatives in Parliament.
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KEN THOMAS
Northolt, Middx
Sir, I agree that any citizen should be able to enter the Palace free, but when publicity-seeking MPs constantly criticise the royals for costing money they have no choice but to charge. Otherwise they would need to find millions more from the taxpayer.
LUKE MAGEE
Ashford, Kent
Sir, Here in Brussels the Royal Palace is open every July and August to all, residents and visitors. There is no entrance fee as the Belgian authorities believe that the palace belongs to the population, its upkeep already paid for out of tax revenue.
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JOHN WALSH
Brussels