Sir, The Queen’s matchless performance at her Jubilee celebration was indeed a reminder of the value of the hereditary principle (leading article, June 6). In these troubled times the Queen symbolises the value of the continuity provided by a constitutional monarchy, untainted by the rough trade of politics.
Since the time of Magna Carta, the paradox of our royal dynasty co-existing with the progressive democratic rights of man has always defied rationality. However, what is clear to everyone, except the republicans, is that the monarchy is a unifying influence, promoting harmony in our complex, multicultural communities, which reflect the global reach of Britain’s past. We gain immeasurably from an unpoliticised head of state. Those who say otherwise should be careful of what they wish for.
John Barker
Prestbury, Cheshire
Sir, “Is a constitutional monarchy a good thing” (letters, June 6)? I would reply that the Queen’s greatest achievement has been to maintain and enhance the British constitutional monarchy, under which we have maintained the most successful democracy the world has ever seen. The essence of democracy is that the people should be able to remove governments they dislike and elect an alternative, and this has been achieved peacefully on many occasions.
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Second, an elected government should respect and maintain the rights of individuals and minorities under the rule of law. Finally, an elected government should not be able to perpetuate itself into a one-party state, which is ensured by the constitutional existence of the Queen’s loyal Opposition. In the last century, under our constitutional monarchy, vast changes have been made and secured in a peaceful manner, unlike the majority of other nations.
Lord Digby
Minterne, Dorset
Sir, Jem Cook (letters, June 6) confuses the roles of president and figurehead. There would be nothing unreasonable in electing a president on merit. We almost do that already, knowing perfectly well who will lead the country when we have a general election; the leader of the majority party will have expressed his or her views.
The real qualities that we need in a leader — confidence-inspiring, wisdom and negotiating skills — are too often overwhelmed by those more likely to get a party elected — media savviness, ambition and money. I’m not aware that Sir David Attenborough or Sir Bobby Charlton, for all their outstanding talents in their respective fields, have demonstrated conspicuous leadership skills.
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The purpose of a figurehead is totally different — to draw the nation together — whatever the circumstances, in war or in peace. We salute the Queen as the embodiment of our nationality and history where the Americans salute their flag.
Adultery and murder are no more relevant to monarchs than presidents. We haven’t had an executive monarchy for centuries.
Alastair Lack
Coombe Bissett, Wilts
Sir, When I was born the Queen’s grandfather was on the throne. When I was married the Queen’s father was on the throne. Now the Queen is on the throne. When I die her eldest son may be on the throne. After that his son may at some time take the throne. Family continuity is what matters, with each successor being steeped in the functions and duties of reigning as monarch. When an unsuitable monarch emerged in the shape of Edward VIII he was persuaded to withdraw before there was even time for him to be crowned.
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In the republic known as the United States of America by contrast the electors have free choice among candidates, who are usually strangers to power but have personal wealth sufficient to enable them to bear the enormous financial cost of getting elected.
I have no doubt which is the better system.
Francis Bennion
Budleigh Salterton, Devon
Sir, Those who express a desire for a democratically-elected head of state in place of a heriditary monarchy, delude themselves if they think such a position would not always be filled by a “political figure”. To gain the necessary nominations, backing of others, publicity and ultimately votes, a would-be president would need to have all the necessary political skills to advertise, attract and maintain the support needed.
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Where large numbers of votes are involved, only a select few can ever hope to succeed, such as those with the backing of large political organisations — the make-up of our House of Commons being proof of that. So the question really is: do we really want a politician as head of state? I think not.
Nick Tyler
South Croydon, Surrey
Sir, To appreciate the benefits of our monarchy one only has to (mis)quote Winston Churchill: monarchy is the very worst way of choosing a head of state — except for all the others.
David Martin
Bristol