WHILST I agree with the sentiments expressed in your Letters Pages regarding Prince Charles’ insensitive evacuation to Balmoral (March 27), I fear your correspondents let him and the Royal Family off lightly.
I think he may regard his mauling (if he cares about such criticism) as the equivalent of Geoffrey Howe’s attacks on Denis Healey – like being attacked by a dead sheep.
When Prince Andrew gave his notorious interview to the BBC, it was portrayed as a maverick member of the Royal Family out of touch with the real world – using the luxury New York apartments of paedophile friends, embarking on “straightforward” shooting parties – as we all do, of course.
READ MORE: Alan Simpson: Prince Charles did not arrive in a campervan so give him a break
Prince Charles has shown this is not a one-off incident. In fact, this lack of connection with the real world is a trait shared by many royals. Perhaps it is genetic.
The Royal Family seem to see everything through a prism of fresh paint and newly-cut flowers, being greeted by cherubic children and grateful subjects.
By jumping the queue for his test and ignoring Government instructions to stay at home, Prince Charles has displayed a remarkable degree of insensitivity.
Instead of thanking the public for their expressions of concern he should be apologising to his loyal and gullible subjects. When others are told not to use their holiday homes as a safe haven, why should he be exempt?
Perhaps, like the companies of rogue owners who have recently shown disdain for common decency, we should be thinking of boycotting Duchy of Cornwall products.
William Thomson, Denny.
PRINCE Charles’s situation is now, rightly, the subject of public debate Letters, March 24, 25 & 27).
But the contributions of Owen Kelly (March 24) and David J Crawford (March 27), in particular, merit comment: Mr Kelly for his very eloquent challenge on the monarchy’s future, post -virus; and Mr Crawford for his very thought-provoking appraisal of the institution’s reason for being,
Your correspondents are, of course, entitled to their respective opinions. And the Royal Family must be open to healthy public scrutiny. The Firm remains imperfect, as it will. But a president as head of state? We value our traditions too highly, I hope.
READ MORE: Coronavirus: Prince of Wales tests positive for condition
Cathy Baird (Letters, March 25) won’t be rushing to shake my hand, metaphorically or otherwise, anytime soon, I am sure.
Brian D Henderson, Glasgow G42.
Bog standards?
REGINA Erich (Letters, March 27) writes of movies celebrating the once-familiar loo roll.
I'm sure that lyricists will no doubt be busy writing songs about the current era.
Suggestions come to mind such as Can't Buy Me Loo Roll, Gimme Gimme Gimme a Loo Roll After Midnight, I'm In The Mood For Loo Roll, and Loo Rolls Are A Girl's Best Friend. Perhaps someone can come up with a new Christmas classic along the lines of I'm Dreaming of a White Loo Roll. Personally I long for the day when I can sing Oh What a Beautiful Loo Roll.
Jim Sheehan, Bridge of Allan.
A MOST enjoyable letter today, and I have to admit that after reading a couple of lines, I went to the bottom of letter, presuming it was from Thelma Edwards. So apologies to correspondent Regina Erich.
To while away the time in isolation, you should have a competition to see who comes up with the most frivolous letters on the right-hand page as opposed to the serious letters on the left.
Mrs C Buchanan, Paisley.
Song of hope
SOME difference in tastes between Alan Fitzpatrick and Jim Kelly concerning songs in the present Covid-19 crisis (Letters, March 25 and 26). I am with the Vera Lynn camp, but find her singing “When the lights go on again, all over the world.” I think that the words are an expression of hope and I believe, from my dance band days, that the music is a slow foxtrot.
James M Arnold, Whiting Bay, Isle of Arran.
Poetry pleases
THANKS to Lesley Duncan for featuring two poems by the Orcadian Robert Rendall in her Poem of the Day column today (March 26). Readers who enjoyed these will be pleased to hear that Robert Rendall's Collected Poems, edited by John Flett Brown and Brian Murray, was published by Steve Savage Publishers in 2012 and the book is still available through all good bookshops.
Gordon Wright, Edinburgh EH9.
Getting one across
I’M trying my best to energise the grey matter and really enjoying the “feast” of crosswords, but my goodness how difficult it is not to take a peek at solutions (it’s called cheating).
Ellen Logan, Newmilns.
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