Sir, I recently visited your wonderful country and had a marvellous time. The British people are a joy, open and engaging. However, I have one question: why are British citizens charged a fee to visit Buckingham Palace? I understand charging (gouging) us Yanks, along with Germans, French and Italians, but shearing the citizens of the UK for £14 is quite frankly an outrage.
Buckingham Palace and the quaint anachronism that is the Royal Family exist only because of the risks of life and limb put forth over the decades by your courageous citizenry.
At the very least there should be a couple of midweek days when any law-abiding resident can see the Palace free. Any active or honorably retired member of the British Armed Forces ought to be able to walk right up to the door, knock and see exactly what they have fought for.
GARY ROTOLO
Denver, Colorado