MORE royal revelations: apparently the Queen's English is no longer what it was. Her Majesty's vowel sounds are getting closer to cockney, Australian linguists discovered, although the day when she begins the Christmas speech "Gor blimey, squire," is still some way off.

This closing of the vocal gap between sovereign and subjects is a good thing. Perhaps other royals could take up their own regional accents. The Prince of Wales might adopt a Swansea lilt. And it would be marvellous if the next time the Duke of York came to Yorkshire he greeted the Lord Lieutenant with the words: "Nah then, lad!"