I WAS intrigued to read ‘Citizen Taylor’s’ comments on the Royal Family. It was the usual sour grapes type of republican dirge. I had a conversation with an American friend who commented that he was proud to be a citizen of the Republic rather than be a subject of Queen Elizabeth.

My reply was rather a subject to someone who has the grace and statesmanship of her Majesty than a citizen under the government of George Dubya or even, heaven forbid, President Blair.

DAVID HOUGHTON, Bournemouth