SAM and Jessie Boyd have spent a large part of their long lives providing a voice for many who would otherwise not have been heard, and do you know what?

I’d have bet my life they would be in favour of Britain being a republic, but it doesn’t eliminate all of the good they’ve both done for the underprivileged and I think no less of them for being republicans. I don’t however, think it wise for a professional journalist to declare themselves a republican and to make an issue of it. I’d doubt it will do the newspaper any good! I am not an avid royalist, but at 86 years of age, the Queen’s stamina and determination really were remarkable.

Mrs Jackie Davies of Croesyceiiog makes a good case for Charles, Prince of Wales, having been badly treated when he was not allowed to marry the woman he loved. I too like Camilla, Mrs Davies, but there we go, nothing’s perfect. Not even the Royal family. There may even be a case for a republic, but I doubt it!

We should reflect long and hard on it and meanwhile consider ourselves very lucky to be living in one of the world’s greatest democracies.

Walt Jackson, Llantrisant, Usk