Life Under the Influence of the British Monarchy

Regarding the Opinion page column "The British Monarchy Struggles to Retain Its Dignity," Dec. 17: The monarchy today has little tolerance for the vast majority of British and Commonwealth citizens. Indeed the monarchy has perpetuated a rigid sense of tradition and hierarchy that has undermined social and economic reform in Britain.

The monarchy's current troubles seem to highlight the inadequacy of that institution as a moral and cohesive force. The monarchy must become more open and democratic, and it must be fiscally responsible if it is to have a serious role in the government of the United Kingdom. Alistair Budd, London

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