YOUR picture of Shirley Bassey advertising tights (March 8) reminds me of her performance at Prince Philip's televised 80th birthday variety show. This has inspired me (despite bolshie tendencies) to 'come out' as a Royalist.

The Queen seems serene, dignified and professional while dramas are played out all around her.

The last time the Queen visited York I applauded as she walked by. When my more uninhibited companion asked her: 'Are you all right, love?', I fancied she nodded and smiled. But it all happened so quickly. I also warmed to Prince Philip's gallantry - though not with quite so much enthusiasm as Shirley Bassey.

Margaret Lawson,

Aldborough House,

The Groves,

York.

Updated: 10:26 Thursday, March 14, 2002