I have no liking for Robert Mugabe or his policies, but I feel that Mr Quarrie was too harsh in his criticism of Prince Charles for shaking hands with him at the Pope's requiem mass.

There is no shame in Prince Charles having shaken his hand during a service which celebrated the life of John Paul II, the Catholic Pope, and a man of peace.

The bible teaches us to love our enemies. Almost unachievable, perhaps, but if one never extends the hand of friendship, peace would never be achieved anywhere. A Christian service is not the place to play power politics.

Jane Scadding,

Holly Bank Grove,

Holgate, York.

Updated: 10:09 Friday, April 15, 2005