25 AUGUST 2001, Page 27

From Mr Robert Davies Sir: Peter Oborne does not address

the two real issues: 1) Is the constitutional monarchy worth preserving? and 2) Would it be endangered by a king married to Mrs Parker Bowles (whether queen or not)?

The answer to the first question is probably still yes; and the answer to the second is almost certainly yes. The fact is that the late Diana, Princess of Wales, however unimpressive to some, did have popular appeal. Mrs Parker Bowles does not. The late princess's ghost would haunt her every step.

Robert Davies

London SE3