I WAS pleased to hear of the marriage plans of the Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker-Bowles.

As far as I am concerned, these are long delayed and I very much hope they will be very happy together.

I cannot understand the church having reservations about their marriage, insofar as they are both divorced.

This seems the height of hypocrisy, with thousands of people in this country changing partners as it suits them, often without the sanctity and commitment of marriage.

Why should the heir to the throne remain celibate? And surely it is far preferable that he and Camilla marry, rather than simply living together and reinforcing the modern belief that this is the accepted and "cool" way to behave?

Charles is a decent, thoughtful and intelligent man who always has the interests of this country at heart, and I am sure he has been hurt in the past by the way in which large numbers of people have cold-shouldered the woman he loves.

If only she had waited for him all those years ago, Britain's history books would tell a very different story, and a beautiful young woman would probably still be alive.

Charles is often criticised as being the cause of Diana's unhappiness - but few care to criticise Camilla or point out the hurt she caused, first to Charles himself and later to her unfortunate husband.

She seems to make Charles happy now, however, and her support and devotion is what he needs and deserves in the coming years, whether or not she ever is called queen.

Heather Causnett,

Escrick Park Gardens,

Escrick, York.

Updated: 10:36 Tuesday, February 15, 2005