What a sad soul Jez Macdonald must be. I could hardly believe what I was reading (Letters, April 4).

What has the Queen Mum ever done to upset him so?

Yes, she had a long life and yes, she had a wonderful life. She was also a much-loved lady and will be greatly missed by so very many.

Hers was, indeed, a privileged life but please do not say she never worked a day in her life. She most certainly did - and very hard too.

It cannot have been at all easy having to be on show to the whole world each and every day; having to look your best and put on a smile when, sometimes, you might feel close to tears.

The Queen Mother carried out all her engagements with great grace and dignity.

She had reached such a wonderful age, we cannot really mourn her passing. After all, sooner or later, we all have to move on.

But I can and do celebrate her long life. A life that was dedicated to so many good causes.

I, for one, have been greatly moved by all the pageantry and the tributes of love that are being shown at this sad time. I am proud to be British and proud to see British history being displayed in all its colour and splendour.

The Royal Family does have faults just as we all do but for all that, millions of people flock here from all over the world each and every year just to catch a glimpse of them, to visit the castles and see all the pageantry. This, in turn, generates much money for our economy.

Never in a million years would I wish to see a republican Britain.

If this is what Jez wants, I suggest he goes and takes a long, hard look at some republican countries.

Jez goes on to say no one cares about her passing. How wrong can he be? What planet has he been visiting to be so out of touch? Has he no TV, has he not read any newspapers?

Jez, there were thousands of people, young and old, standing patiently in line waiting to pay their last respects to this wonderful lady.

God bless this great country of ours and God bless the Queen

-Diane Jones, Oakdene Gardens, Mile Oak, Portslade