Happy and glorious, but not on the BBC

I AM not a political animal – indeed, I am a 77-year-old grandmother – but I do have views which are just as viable, I hope, as those of anybody else. May I add my voice to those of the pro-monarchy?

Mr Hinnrichs (Letters, 4 June), have you really thought properly about a head of state, eg a president, as opposed to a monarch? Have you looked at the countless numbers of presidents, heads of state, and suchlike who have come to grief because of power fighting and each wanting to be top dog? Down the years they are too numerous to mention.

There is no stability in a republic like there is within a monarchy.

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Yes, our Queen comes from a very privileged background, and I always feel there is just a hint of sour grapes when somebody starts talking about wealth and privilege. But have you stopped to imagine what her working life is like – and indeed the working lives of those of her relatives who have the same huge commitment to their jobs.

When she came to the throne, she pledged herself to working for the good of her people, and she has never wavered in this.

Where she gets her stamina from, I don’t know, but I wonder how many other people – men or women – could work the hours she does. She is a tremendous ambassador for Britain, and surely that is hugely important? She helps to bring vast amounts of money into this island simply because of who she is.

Don’t tell me we don’t need her and that she is a “relic of feudal times”. Wouldn’t you rather we had what we have in this country than a despot or tyrant ruling over us until someone else ousts them and takes over – which could happen all too easily if you take this important dynasty away.

Helene Scott

Lanark Road West

Currie

While those wishing to can enter into Jubilee festivities, republicans should not be discriminated against or made to feel like second-class citizens.

Therefore, alongside every Jubilee celebration area, an equivalent Grumpy Republican zone should be provided, bedecked with grey bunting bearing a range of bitter slogans and complaints.

Republican revellers could there wave flags proclaiming “We don’t need a Royal family. We can unite as a nation around our politicians”, depicting President Cameron on one side, and President Salmond on the other.

RICHARD LUCAS

Colinton

Edinburgh

The BBC has deservedly won a great international reputation for its coverage of major events. But in one fell swoop, it has managed to destroy that well-earned image with the appalling coverage of the Royal Jubilee event on the Thames.

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Instead of well-produced pictures and sound, the viewers were landed with many inane amateur interviews from celebrities who the BBC obviously felt they had to appoint but who did not have the skills to capture any worthwhile input.

From chatting to the rowers on the barge, returning time and again to Battersea to watch poor interviews and hosting by Tess Daly, this coverage was second only in poor broadcasting terms to the “comedian” who made viewers squirm with his rubbish about the history of Tower Bridge.

This unknown was the only one to laugh at his own unfunny material. And these were but a few examples of the shockingly poor production.

The BBC should have had cameras and sound on the vessels which were entertaining with music to give us a flavour of what the royal party was hearing. Instead, we had to wait until the final few minutes to watch and hear any of the excellent music.

How lucky the Queen was to be there – and not to have to watch the amateur BBC coverage which made a mockery of what should have been a wonderful event.

This was a poor show by the BBC. What a let-down for the licence payers and an embarrassment for viewers overseas who might have watched such rubbish.

Iain J McConnell

Speedybank

Gifford

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