ALED Jones has obviously never been to Buckingham Palace and seen the thousands of tourists flocking to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony, hoping they may catch a glimpse of the Queen (Letters, July 8).

She is Britain's first lady, not a term I like because it is an Americanism, but I use it to clear up any confusion as the champagne socialist Cherie Blair seems to think she has that honour.

Apart from the hard cash that is generated from having a Queen, she is highly regarded and admired throughout the world and brings a stability to this country that others can only dream about.

One only has to look at Russia since the slaughter of its Royal family - utter turmoil to this day.

Mr Jones mentioned "European countries run on a shoestring with top levels of service."

Germany is a financial and economic mess, France is struggling to keep any credibility in the world, the former Yugoslavia has torn itself to pieces over religion and territory and the former Soviet Bloc countries are desperately trying to rid themselves of corruption within government.

Our armed forces swear allegiance to the Queen, not some dictator or politically-motivated president or prime minister, which brings a stability to the best forces in the world.

Back in 1969 I was lucky enough to be part of the guard when Prince Charles was invested as Prince of Wales at Caernafon Castle. Judging by your name Mr Jones your fellow countrymen did not agree with your views on monarchy.

Caernafon on that day was nearly bursting with happy people. Long live the Queen.

Robert Waite,

Windmill Rise,

Holgate,

York.

Updated: 09:41 Thursday, July 14, 2005