I STRONGLY resent the suggestion (Sophie Rhys-Jones picture caption, January 6) that a double-barrelled surname indicates aristocratic pretensions.

Double-barrelledness originated in a proper pride shown by women in the past - long before feminism reared its pretty head- who wished to bestow their own family name upon their children.

Usually, this would change from generation to generation, but a name might be retained in deference to gran or added to ma's family name, which might also be retained beyond one generation.

Triple-barrelledness was therefore not unknown, and has since proved a boon to monumental masons in an age of thoughtlessly long life-expectancy.

All this is perfectly respectable and has nothing to do with strawberry leaves and fiddling death duties.

The Queen has followed this fine old custom in the case of her family. Queens, unlike aristocrats, don't need to put on airs or upstage anyone.

Besides, the Queen claims to be descended from our English kings. You can't get more peasanty than that.

William Dixon Smith,

Welland Rise,

Acomb,

York.

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