WHAT Peter Johnson, Brian Derbyshire and myself included did not understand, was that, on the Queen Mother's demise, "respect" was compulsory.

I believe the Queen Mother re-arranged all her funeral ceremony.

In the event, the whole business became almost farcical; 10 days when the media claimed the nation was overcome with grief and mourned. Like some undertakers convention, the whole saga dragged on. Anyone not looking sad enough had no "respect" and was a kind of latterday scoundrel.

All these proceedings were used to further the cause of "Royalty", and will be continued with celebrations for the present Queen's 50 years on the throne. Already the media accolades have started -- "she has an electric smile", "most famous woman in the world". I wonder if that automatically means her husband was the most famous man in the world?

It is in the interests of the Establishment to support the "Royals". Should the system change, many meaningless jobs would be lost and the participants on the dole.

John S L Evans

Howard Avenue

Deane, Bolton