Frank Edwards, in his reply to my call for a democratically head of state, destroys his own argument (Letters, December 6).

He talks about the glory days of the British Empire.

It is constantly carping on about past glories that prevents Britain moving forward.

Just look at Japan and Germany since the Second World War. Their prosperity was the result of looking to the future.

It is a myth to suggest the Royal Family attracts foreign visitors. The Palace of Versailles receives more foreign visitors than any of the British palaces.

Having travelled extensively in the US, I discovered the two most popular Royals in the eyes of the Americans were the Queen Mother and Lady Diana.

All Americans I spoke to have nothing but contempt for the present heir to the throne.

Lady Diana was probably the best ambassador the Royal family ever produced. She was a princess who every red-blooded male would slay

a dragon for and most foreigners I have spoken to will never forgive the way Lady Diana was treated.

-Simon Smith, Upper Beeding