13 SEPTEMBER 1997, Page 32

LETTERS

Sir: Much has been said of the late Princess of Wales's modem approach to the monar- chy. In some respects, however, she appeared to put the clock back by her refusal to accept the changes which during this century have increased the restrictions placed on royal status.

Members of the royal family no longer voice opinions on Acts of Parliament passed by an elected government, nor on the persons responsible for their adminis- tration.

With the publication of Andrew Mor- ton's book, Princess Diana made public her antagonism to an establishment which, by its nature, could not retaliate. Subsequent- ly, on television, she described the Prince of Wales as unsuited to the role of king. Recently her charitable work became polit- ical in character, with, for example, her crit- icism of official action regarding land- mines.

Today it has been stated that Earl Spencer's attack on the monarchy during last Saturday's service in Westminster Abbey is the strongest since 1745. If this is true, does Earl Spencer wish to reverse the clock still further, to 1649? It is to be hoped that the nation's relationship with the House of Windsor can move forward instead of backward.

Judith Bell

10 Balfour Place, Upper Richmond Road, London SW15