SIR,—The writings of Mr. David Marquand and Mr. Harold Montani
are typical examples of the 'woolly' thinking indulged in by many so-called intellectuals when they consider monarchy. They completely fail to comprehend it, but are unwilling to admit this. Very probably they hardly realise them- selves how little they are able to understand this admittedly complex subject.
The reason is quite simple. Monarchy is difficult to explain by purely intellectual means since, as a philosopher once pointed out, it appeals like religion to the fundamental instincts of mankind. It is just this which has made both indestructible and such a force in men's lives through the ages. Theories in politics change as intellectual fashion changes and are often forgotten in as little as fifty years, but religion and monarchy have been with mankind since the beginning of civilisation and it is therefore reasonably safe to assume that they will continue with us until the end of civilisation.
It is just because, as Mr. Marquand says, the problems of the country are mainly psychological that the work of the Monarchy is becoming increas- ingly vital. Anyone who views the situation objec- tively must admit that the Duke of Edinburgh is one of the most dynamic figures in Britain today and that his leadership is proving a tremendous inspiration to all forward-looking youth. If Mr. Marquand really does not believe that His Royal Highness displays both the nimble wits and appetite for change for which he calls, one can only con- clude that he is not capable of recognising these qualities when he sees them.
It is also important to remember that .parliamen- tary government is essentially a genetic part of monarchy, evolving from it first as the Crown in Council and then as the Crown in Council in Parlia- ment. It has often been said that the British Monarchy succeeds because it is constitutional but it would be equally true to say that the Constitution succeeds because it is monarchical. Any glance at the way in which parliament tends to function in
countries which have attempted to retain it after the abolition of the monarchy proves this. The principal weaknesses of parliaments are lack of stability and continuity; these weaknesses can only be successfully counteracted when parliament functions, as it was always originally intended to function, as part of a monarchy.
,P. DAVIS
Secretary,
Monarchist Press Association 7 Sutherland Road, W13
Previous page
